And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
In today's performance-based society we are constantly measured against a "standard" for success. It is pervasive in every aspect of our lives...our jobs and our homes with our spouses and children expectations. As we watch television, it communicates to us what is expected in our American society as productive, whole citizens. It doesn't stop there. In our shopping experiences we hold certain attitudes regarding the type of customer service we should receive from vendors. Accompanying the expectation is a conditional promise to reward us if we measure up to the standard. This type of conditioning makes it difficult to understand and freely accept the Grace of God.
Gods' grace is not earned, but received with humility. It is not simply His unmerited favor, but also His unceasing strength. As with Paul when he asked God (3 times) to remove the thorn in his flesh. God responded that His grace is sufficient.
In order to receive the grace of God we must first receive the finished work on the cross. Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we might be reconciled to our Heavenly Father. I encourage you this week to meditate on the grace of God. It is not something that you must work to earn - Christ did it all! As life presents you with daily challenges - relax, trust God and watch His grace abound. The battle is not yours, but the Lord's.
