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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9a (ESV)
“Oh, oh, oh! Ye, iye, eh! Knocking on your door! Happy New Year!!! I welcome you to yet another incredible season. Here is your gift, enjoy it well!” The look of shock quickly spread over my face as I looked down at my gift: G R A C E!
“Umm, okay. Superrr grateful for this gift, but what exactly is it?”
Well, “grace” is the unearned and undeserved mercy and favor from GOD. You have qualified for this gift that has been prepared for you to receive in every tough moment or difficult situation. GOD’s great abiding and unending love towards you, packaged as “grace” enables you to WIN, OVERCOME, and SUCCEED!
“Wait, isn’t that mercy? Okay so new year, same confusion huh” …
“Nahhh fam, that’s GRACE!”
Oftentimes I think of grace as a pardon. An offer I couldn’t give myself, but one that Jesus made sure I would have through His death for me and you on the cross. His death was a key that unlocked the gateway for grace to be ushered into our lives. Before His love sacrifice was made, the letter, or the law, given to the people of GOD, the Israelites by Moses, allowed for inevitable mistakes, things we do daily that make us human, an instrument used to condemn and shame. Without Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, this tie, or marriage to Moses and the law, would eventually cost us our lives, by way of death. You know that guilty, nudging feeling when you do something wrong, imagine that feeling never going away because of our constant sinning we cannot escape from on this side of heaven.
Wait, wait… don’t get too lost in those parts of yourself. I have good news! The death of Jesus and the presence of His Holy Spirit that lives in the insides of you (1 Corinthians 3:16) has ripped the veil of guilt, shame, and condemnation from your eyes. Look, see! Jesus has given you a parting gift of grace and it has unlocked the riches of His reconciliation, redemption, restoration, and the release of empowerment!
Now say this aloud: I can do all things [insert those things] _______ through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13) because of His grace! I can NOW do in the freedom I have in Christ, not myself, but with Him because of his gift of grace, what He has called me to do. Let the peace of this declaration set in!
Like Paul’s thorn, (something he was fully aware of that felt like a hindrance), the world may tell you that your bondage is your story (2 Corinthians 12:7-8). But grace has interrupted the devil’s lies and releases strength, wisdom, direction, and understanding as the solution to your thorn. Where your thorn left you stranded and confused, grace found you and made you relevant! GOD is so mindful of you, your purpose, and He has His fingerprints all throughout your story.
Sufficiency kind of sounds basic (2 Corinthians 12:9). As if it just meets the requirement for “okayness”. However, sufficiency according to GOD’s standards will always exceed our expectations (Eph 3:20). With the abundance of life Christ died for us all to have access to (John 10:10), we will be filled in areas where we lack.
Be empowered to receive that liberty the Spirit has released (2 Corinthians 3:17)! We host the spirit of GOD in our lives, so when we speak the word of GOD over untouched areas, grace is released accompanying that word and we are left feeling encouraged and emboldened because of it.
The Spirit of GOD holds your freedom. I believe it is time to tap in, open up, and use the gift of grace in this year. Will you pray (talk to, decree and declare, cry out, acknowledge) for the Spirit of GOD to release more grace into your life?
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice that keeps on giving today through grace. I confess I have focused more on my weaknesses and the old covenant, but with the new life and strength I have in you, may I enjoy grace to finish and complete my destiny with the freedom, power, and love I have been blessed with in Jesus name. Amen.
Scripture: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 (KJV)
Debrief: Take a step back with Jesus and enter into a time of reflection and prayer. Begin listing out all areas of your life where things have been difficult to finish or complete. Be honest! Remember the Spirit of GOD has been assigned to our lives to help us overcome our weaknesses. So, let Him do His job and rest in His love; His glory, for our good! This is your chance to invite Him in. Ask for His grace -power and glory- to be found and seen in all of your circumstances. Receive His peace as He begins to perfect your weaknesses through His strengthening grace!
Worship Song: “Amazing Grace” ~ What message is being conveyed about you? Remind yourself through worship how the Lord truly feels about you.