You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus
2 Timothy 2:1
Grace is a wonderful thing. As a Christian this morning you are loved beyond measure by the creator of the cosmos and the one who gives purpose and meaning to all things. The one who set the planets in their place and who holds the sea in the palm of his hand loves you and is actively working in your heart – what a privilege!
Before the world began, he purposed to save you, not because of who you would be or the great things you would do for Him. No, he saved you by his own purpose and grace for his own glory. In a very real way you are a shining beacon of grace in a sinful world, a trophy to God’s love and mercy that will stand for eternity.
How does this make you feel?
God’s grace has this wonderful affect on us. Grace brings us to our knees as we realise in awe what the holy God did for us at Calvary. It takes away all pride as we realise that we are sinful and completely undeserving of his favour. Properly understood and experienced, it takes away the insecurity of living a life to try and win God’s favour and prove ourselves, as we are completely accepted through what Jesus did for us. It puts fire in our hearts, solid ground under our feet and brings comfort to the soul – in short, it gives us strength.
As you start on another working week, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Let his grace give you the motivation to strive for holiness, let it fill your heart with love for others, and let it bring a determination to live every second for his glory!
Steffan Job (Capel y Ffynnon, Bangor)