A Picture of Grace

Greetings Commissioners,

Today, I'm going to take you on a journey, follow along and be blessed.

Imagine this, you've been convicted of a crime punishable by death. The evidence is against you and you have already pleaded guilty. There is no way out. Your days are numbered. As you sit on death row, you begin to think back on the choices that you have made that led you here. There is absolutely no doubt that you deserve this punishment. The mental anguish starts to kick in, regret starts to set in, you don't want to die but its too late. You have exhausted all appeals. The day of execution is here and you are being escorted to the execution chamber. You make a final plea but no one can help you, the judge has given final orders. You are now strapped on the gurney, a sheet is pulled over you. The executioner pulls out the needle and just as you close your eyes to meet your fate, someone yells STOP! The sheet is pulled off and an innocent man willingly exchanges his life for yours. As they escort you out to freedom, you watch as this very man is being strapped to the gurney, the same one he just pleaded for you to get off of. His one request? That you never forget the sacrifice that he made for you. You ask for the name of the man who did such a selfless act and you find out that his name is GRACE. How would this make you feel if this was you? I don't think the word grateful would suffice to explain the feeling of knowing that someone who committed no crime would be willing to suffer the fate for one who has.

Grace is defined in the Bible as the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings. This means you did not pay for it and there's nothing you can do to receive, its FREE and unmerited which means, you did not deserve it.

Guys, in case you were wondering, GRACE is JESUS🙌🏾 This is exactly what Christ did for you and I on the cross. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 While we were still sinners mean... while we were living in disobedience, doing our own thing, not acknowledging God, living life on our own terms, making irrational decisions...(you get the point). He still thought we were worthy enough to come down from his heavenly throne and die for us. All he ask in return is to have a relationship with us. Basically, God said, I will take your sins and the punishment you deserved for it in exchange for a relationship with you. So whatever you feel is keeping you from building that relationship with him, surrender it. He is not looking for perfection, he wants your heart. Don't worry about changing or doing good so he can accept you, he already accepted you when he died for you on that cross 2,000+ years ago. Sometimes we think that our past or current circumstances somehow disqualify us from God‘s love. “For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below — there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans‬ ‭8:38-39‬ ‭Don’t let the opinions of others make you feel like you have to perform in order to be accepted. God will do the transforming, the pruning, the rehabilitation that you need in order to live a fulfilled life in him. Just come to him.

Whatever challenges you are facing in your life, know that his grace is sufficient. This means, he will help you to overcome the battles that you are facing. He will carry you through it all and you can bet that victory will be yours in the end. Hold on, don't give up.

Battling low self esteem? His grace is sufficient.

Dealing with rejection? His grace is sufficient.

Mourning the loss of a loved one? His grace is sufficient.

Everyone turned their backs on you? His grace is sufficient.

Depression is threatening your joy, His grace is sufficient.

Insert your pain, challenge, or burden that's weighing you down today and know that HIS grace is sufficient to meet your needs. I often think about some of my past and current challenges, and I tell God all the time thank you because I know some people who would not be able to deal with everything I've been through and still keep their head up, BUT His grace was sufficient for me. Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest for your souls. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29. His grace is accompanied by love and mercy. You don't have to do anything beyond accepting that invitation to have a relationship with him.

I hope this blessed you today. Whatever challenges you may encounter in your life, know that God is here to help you. He is not far away. He knows and he cares. HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT.

Say this prayer, Lord, help me to surrender every thought that makes me feel unworthy of the purpose you have for my life.

I send you all virtual hugs:)