May 27, 2008

• GRACE FOR TUESDAY

  Count on Grace

  Mary Southerland

   

  Today’s Truth

  “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 40:2-3 NIV)

   

  Friend to Friend

  In this world, there are few certainties. God is one. His promises are true and we can wholly trust Him to keep His Word, to do exactly what He promises to do. In the key passage, God promises to free us from the pits of life, to direct us – restore us – give us joy and invites us to join Him in Kingdom work. In other words, he promises grace for every step of our journey.

   

  Ah, there is that word again – grace. I am amazed when I think about the price tag dangling from the gift of grace. Grace cost God his son and Jesus his very life. When Jesus came to earth as man, he came as a living, fleshed-out illustration of grace. Grace allows us to take a “long look” at life, keeping our glance on circumstances and our gaze on the Lord of the circumstances. Grace pursues us and loves us, even when we run and reject God’s love. Grace heals the wounded heart and saves the broken soul. God is drawn to brokenness.

   

  What an amazing truth, that God turns first to the broken. Psalm 40:1 says “He turned to me.” Notice this passage does not say that David, the author, turned to God. I don’t think David could turn to God! Knowing the desire of David’s heart and understanding his weakness, God heard his cry and turned to David just like God will hear your cry and turn to you!

   

  During the darkest hours of my battle with clinical depression, I questioned God continually. I flung my anger at Him like a spear. My heart and soul were filled with fear and confusion instead of faith and trust. Yet, He never turned away from me. He knew every tear that I cried. Out of those tears and brokenness has come the most effective and powerful chapter of my life! I have discovered that the more we are broken, the more we are used – because of grace.

   

  You can count on God. You can credit His grace to your account! We are trophies of God’s grace and we can count on Him!

   

  Let’s Pray

  Father, I celebrate the truth that you are a God of grace and that you love me unconditionally. Help me to see your hand of grace at work in my life. I surrender myself to you and ask that you shape and form me into the image of your son, Jesus. I want to be like him, Lord. Amen.

   

  Now it’s Your Turn

  Mercy is when we don’t get what we deserve. Justice is when we get what we do deserve but grace is when we get what we do not deserve.

   

  Have there been specific times when you sensed the work of grace in your life? Reflect on those times.

   

  Consider the following:

   

  • I need to recognize the truth that the only source of true forgiveness and complete restoration is God.
  • What areas of my life need His restoration power?
  • What steps do I need to take in order for God to work in my life?
  • List each step in your journal.
  • Pray about each step and then take action.

   

  And remember, God is more interested in what you do than what you know. Step out in faith. He will meet you there.

   

  • 9:49 am
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