Grace

The idea of grace in our times is a longed for, hoped for dream in the background of life’s often grim experiences. Perhaps that is where grace makes its presence most profoundly recognizable. We look for grace around every corner and then again, we don’t, because if we expect it we might not appreciate it when it comes. Grace is the power to change our lives. Grace is the open door to new beginnings. Grace is beyond us, beyond our doing, beyond our deserving, beyond our earning. Grace is more.

The seeking heart that understands life recognizes the place where grace is not present. Graceless days are oppressive, sapping joy and hope away from the thoughts of men and women who might pray for grace in the face of failures. Grace is strong in its capacity to uproot our anxiety and to cure our desperation. And yet, grace seems so scarcely accessible in times like ours.

Quotas, deadlines, regulations, demands, pressures, and imposed priorities…they are not the venues of grace. Threats, danger, war, deception, death and tragedy…they are not the anticipated avenues of grace. But God entered time and history in just such circumstances to bring just what we all know we need. He brought grace to us in the flesh and bones body of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Grace to be received; Grace to be heard; Grace to be remembered; Grace to be applied to the pain and suffering of our hearts abandonment and brokenness. Grace made known in the touch of his healing, in the sound of his truth, in the laughter and joy of his presence. The grace of God has come to us. Hear the word: Repent and believe! Receive Christ in faith. Know the grace that sets you free. Know the grace that announces a new day for all who trust in God’s provision of mercy. Live in grace…for the Lord is gracious unto you.