DAILY BREAD: GRACE IS NOT A PILL FOR HARD TIMES

 And so God’s blessings are not given just because someone decides to have them or works hard to get them. They are given because God takes pity on those he wants to.” – Romans 9:16 [TLB]

I have always thought if I worked harder in being faithful to God, if I try not to make mistakes of falling into error in my daily walk with Jesus. If I plugged into godly activities and stand out amongst the rest, if I mentally and spiritually build my level of faith, then God will see that I deserve to be blessed and He will bless me.

And this I did. I earned the admiration of men, especially Christians but it was only temporary. As soon as I was done with the first, they are expecting me to come up with another great deed “for God.”

I became frustrated because no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t please men. I started out trying to impress God but I ended up looking for the approval of men which came in short term basis.

In the midst of my disappointments, (not at God nor myself), God opened my eyes to the knowledge in the entire book of Galatians. I saw how Christ already settle my case, how living under certain rules and principles kept me in bondage and how this can even hinder me from receiving from God.

Friend, this grace that Christ pours upon us cannot be earned. There is absolutely nothing we can do to deserve it. God’s plan and purpose for your big future already included that the grace of God; be sufficient for you because of the death and resurrection of Jesus on the cross. Therefore, you have grace with you always. This grace is not something you pick up in hard times and dump in moments of bliss. It is not something that goes with you to get that big job, that promotion or clean slate on health issues, it is always with you. You live in it and the recognition of this grace will change your life!

It will set you free. Everything you get from God is as a result of this grace. It has nothing to do with your faithfulness because the bible says, what we call faithfulness (righteousness) before God is just as a filthy rag. You live by this grace. It is what makes you righteous before God else you won’t even be able to come before Him.

If you are to live by certain rules or principles, you will have to observe them all and the breaking of one of them means the breaking of the entire set… Isn’t that frustrating? Do you see now that you are free to live? Irrespective of how men see you, do your work/walk for God in love, do it with your heart and let God be the judge and rewarder.

– Written by Alex Amos

Follow @Alex_Amos on Twitter