Where Strength Comes From

 

Grace. Such a powerful word, really. Defined as the “free and unmerited favor of God,” it is a gift that is freely applied to each moment, each day, every day of the believer’s life. My personal experience with grace is that it is profound and often surprising.

That is, if you know where to look.

Over the years, keeping an eye out for His tender mercies and grace has become much like the beloved “eye-spy” game with my children. As life and hardship, or weary days seem to press on every side, my Abba Father invites me close to His heart and He reminds me that He sees it all. And as I lean back into His arms, He gently encourages me to look harder, to look again, and to not be satisfied with an “I-just-don’t-see-it!” answer.

Grace upon grace. It is always there.

Grace is the “free and unmerited favor of God,” but it is also a large part of His character. It is the part of His heart that craves to be poured out upon His beloved Bride. His heart that beats for life, and love, and to draw His beloved into His beating heart…that without grace, would be impossible. Without Jesus, the epitome of such favor given on our behalf, we could not hope to draw near. But yet again, through grace, God made a way. He wasn’t satisfied with leaving us separated, lost, wandering, and without hope. Thank goodness!

Yes. So many years ago, grace won. It is winning still.

For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

John 1:16 (ESV)

Did you catch that? “From His fullness” He gives us His full and inexhaustible grace! THAT is a grace that will never disappoint, never wear out, never cease to cover and support. Wow!

So today, when you find yourself taking inventory of all the hard, or even of all those hopes and dreams that may seem just out of reach, take a moment to lean back into the arms of your Abba Father. As you do, open wide your eyes to look for His provision of grace.

How is He giving you strength for the moment? Right here, right now?

Do you see it? It’s there. His Presence and gift of grace is where our strength comes from. It is His gift and it is always enough.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

The song I want to share with you today is from Laura Story’s newest album, Open Hands. The song is called, “Grace Abounds.” Curl up with a hot cup of coffee, close your eyes and just listen. I pray you will soak in the Truths expressed so beautifully in these lyrics and melody and be encouraged deep within your soul.

His grace abounds each step of the way. He can’t be anything other than who He says He is…and He is always faithful. His fullness is being (and has been) poured out on your behalf.

Grace for each moment of your life.

Grace for the hard and the long and the weary.

Grace for the not yet.

Grace for the unknown.

Grace for the past, the present, and for the future.

Grace upon grace. Full grace. Inexhaustible grace. Beautiful, redeeming, sufficient grace.

 

With joy for the journey,

Sarah

Sarah’s heart and passion is to connect worshipers around the globe, with all their gifts and talents, and come before the Throne of God…together. She is a proud Army Chaplain’s wife and homeschool mom of 3 full-throttle kiddos. She and her beloved husband, Jeff, have been married for 21 years.