“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we’re dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved.”- Ephesians 2:4-5
“We’re not only saved by grace, but the Bible says we’re sustained by grace.”- Bill Hybels
In Chapter 2 (“The Greatest Blessing”) of her devotional Blessings, Laura Story discusses God’s grace. As Christians, we have a solid, sure understanding of Ephesians 2:4-5. But does that understanding sustain us day by day as we struggle to cope with the effects of our ministry downsizing or career loss? Do we doubt that the Lord will ever bless us again? Are we tempted to sing, as former Monday Night Football analyst Don Meredith would when the outcome of the game no longer was in doubt: “Turn out the lights, the party’s over.” ?
Later in Ephesians 2, St. Paul offers encouraging words when our spirits grow weary: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God has prepared in advance for us to do (v. 10).” God’s grace will sustain us as we journey toward healing and revisioning of our calling. Frederick Buechner offers a practical definition of God’s grace:
“The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn’t be complete without you. Here is this world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid. Nothing can ever separate us. It’s for you I created the universe. I love you.”
In the light of God’s love and sustaining grace- the party’s not over!
Today’s question: What principles and techniques help you to cling to God’s sustaining grace. Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Each spoken word”. New Short Meditation, “A Memorable “Consolations” Prize, will post Thursday.
