I wrote this post a few days ago... already God has been working on my heart on the concept of grace...
grace
/ɡrās/ noun
Undeserved, unmerited, unearned, favor.
[ephesians 2:8]
I saw this pin on Pinterest, and it really stuck with me. Grace. Something I’ve struggled with all my life. You mean I can let go of control? You mean I can be loved even when I mess up?
All my life, I’ve held myself (and others) to standards that could never be measured up to. Over my head always loomed a mistake so big, beyond God’s grace. Yet, that’s the very essence of grace—undeserved favor. That’s what makes grace, grace.
I remember in college one of the worship leaders bought my friend and I pizza one day. It was my mission from there on out to repay him for this unmerited favor. I went out of my way to repay this one little act of kindness. He told me something along the lines of, “Jesus died for us, a gift we cannot repay—just accept it.” At the time, this was profound, but only now am I really thinking about its significance.
It’s the same thing with Jesus. Jesus died a price we could not pay. I think the hardest part for me has been – I’m a Christian, why do I still make mistakes? Does this make me not a Christian? Am I doomed forever?
I want to share with you my favorite poem:
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost sometimes
That’s why I chose this way”
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble –
needing God to be my guide
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek God’s name
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved
This is such a true, honest poem. Honesty. Honesty is such a beautiful thing in God’s sight.
Paul wrote some beautiful words for the OCD sufferer: “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:10
Accept the fact that you will never measure up. In fact, God may be using your imperfections to help others. If anything, our failures make God’s grace all the more amazing.
Join me in this prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
If I’m honest with You, I struggle with grace. I struggle that You can forgive me for my sins. I struggle. I worry that I’ve fallen away from Your grace. Can you help me?
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen
I understand your struggle, brother and sister in Christ. May we learn as we go through this life…
Reference (here is a song I wanted to add to this post). I just heard it today ("Love Moved First" by Casting Crowns): https://youtu.be/qDdTt7AB0gI