Thankful for Grace

God's riches at Christ's expense. That is what Grace is. It is a free gift. It is something we cannot buy or earn or work our way into getting. Grace is from God. Pure and simple. It is unearned favor. It is full of love and mercy. It is offered to all of us.


Why is it that the concept of Grace is so hard to grasp? That we can believe so many things about God, even the most mind stretching concepts, but we have a hard time believing that He loves us unconditionally. That His Grace is sufficient in all areas of our lives.


My youngest daughter has had a rough week. She is struggling in a class and with a teacher. We have put tools and a plan in place to help her navigate through these last few weeks of the semester. It will not be easy or fun, but she knows what she has to do. On top of all of that, the orthodontist put springs on her braces yesterday. Not only does she still have her braces in high school but she has these metal things attached to the side of her mouth that aren't very attractive. She thinks she is ugly and her mouth hurts. Nothing I have said this week has been right. Every time I have tried to encourage or give insight into her situation, she has gotten irritated with me. Finally last night after another outburst of emotion, I just wrapped my arms around her and loved her. No words, just love. I prayed silently over her. I let her tone of voice go. I let her disrespect go. I let her angry words go. She had put herself in the consequences of her rough week, but I just let it all go and loved her.


As I extended grace to my daughter, I felt God's grace flood over me. I don't have all the answers. I don't have the right words. I don't have enough love in me to take away my children's hurts or pains. I don't have the capacity or the strength to do much of anything on my own. But by the Grace of God, I can rest in the truth that He is sufficient.


May the Grace of God pour over you as you end another week. May His unconditional love wrap around you and hold you tight. May His forgiveness be a reality to you. May you know that there is a Voice interceding for you that understands your groaning and your pain. May you rest in the shelter of His wings and trust in the power of His might. May you dwell today in the beauty of His presence. And may you know that by His great love for you that you have the strength to face the day.


Grace and Peace be with you, my friends.

For it is by grace you have been saved, 

through faith - and this not from yourselves, 

it is the gift of God. 

Ephesians 2:8