2025-07-13 GRACE UNDER FIRE: EXPERIENCING THE GOODNESS OF A GRACIOUS GOD

Discovering Grace: Embracing God's Unending Love in Everyday Life

Ever find yourself wondering if God’s grace is truly enough for you? In a world where performance is often rewarded and failure punished, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly falling short. But what if I told you that God’s grace is not just an action, but His very nature? Let’s explore how this profound truth can transform our lives.

The Nature of Grace: More Than Just an Action

Imagine standing in front of a vast ocean, waves gently lapping at your feet. This is how God’s grace works—endless, relentless, and always flowing. In Exodus 34:6-7, when God reveals Himself to Moses, He leads with grace and compassion, not power or wrath. This is the first time in Scripture that God discloses His character, and He chooses to highlight His grace. Grace is not merely something God does; it’s who He is. It’s His posture toward humanity, from the Garden of Eden to the cross and beyond.

Grace That Saves and Transforms

Have you ever felt like you’re drowning, unable to save yourself? Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own efforts. Picture yourself in deep water, struggling to stay afloat. God doesn’t just shout instructions from the shore; He throws you a life preserver. That’s grace—God reaching down to rescue us when we can’t save ourselves.

But grace doesn’t stop at salvation. Titus 2:11-13 tells us that grace also transforms us, teaching us to say no to sin and yes to a new life in Christ. It’s like a master sculptor, chiseling away at our rough edges, shaping us into the image of Jesus. Grace is not a license to sin but a call to live a life that reflects God’s love and holiness.

Letting Grace Flow Through Us

Think about a sponge left in the sink, forgotten and stagnant. Without being wrung out, it becomes slimy and useless. Similarly, God’s grace is meant to flow through us, not just fill us up. Colossians 3:13 challenges us to forgive others as God has forgiven us. It’s not easy, but when we remember the grace we’ve received, we’re empowered to extend it to others.

So, how can we let grace overflow in our lives? It starts with a daily relationship with God. Spend time in His Word, in prayer, and in reflection. Let His grace fill you to the brim, so it naturally spills over into your interactions with others. When we live out of the overflow, we become conduits of God’s grace, bringing His love to a world in desperate need.

Practical Steps to Embrace Grace

1. Pause and Reflect: Take a moment each day to reflect on God’s grace in your life. How has He shown up in unexpected ways?

2. Forgive Freely: Is there someone you need to forgive? Remember the grace you’ve received and let it guide you in extending forgiveness.

3. Live Out of the Overflow: Cultivate a daily relationship with God. Let His grace fill you, so it naturally flows into your interactions with others.

A Prayer for Grace

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unending grace that meets us where we are. Help us to embrace this gift, allowing it to transform our lives and flow through us to others. May we live each day in the light of Your love, reflecting Your grace to a world in need. Amen.

As you go about your week, remember that God’s grace is sufficient for every challenge you face. Embrace it, live it, and let it transform you from the inside out.

2025-07-06 GOOD GOD, HARD LIFE: TRUSTING GOD'S GOODNESS IN A BROKEN WORLD

Discovering God’s Goodness: Finding Refuge in Life’s Challenges

Ever wonder why life can be so hard if God is truly good? This question resonates with many of us, especially when we face unexpected trials and tribulations. In a world filled with suffering and pain, how do we reconcile these experiences with the belief in a benevolent God? Let’s explore this profound question and discover how we can find refuge in God’s goodness, even amidst life’s challenges.

David’s Journey: A Testimony of God’s Faithfulness

Imagine being on the run, fearing for your life, and seeking refuge in the most unlikely places. This was the reality for David, the future king of Israel, as he fled from King Saul. In the midst of his trials, David penned Psalm 34, a powerful testimony of God’s goodness. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8). Despite his circumstances, David experienced God’s faithfulness firsthand, reminding us that God’s goodness is not dependent on our situation.

The Tension We All Feel

Life’s hardships often leave us questioning God’s goodness. If God is so good, why do we experience pain and suffering? This tension is something we all feel. Yet, it’s in these moments of struggle that we are invited to experience God’s goodness more deeply. The Bible consistently reveals that God is good, even when life is hard. As C.S. Lewis once noted, we recognize injustice because we know what justice looks like. Similarly, we understand suffering because we have glimpsed God’s goodness.

An Invitation to Experience God’s Goodness

David’s invitation to “taste and see” is a call to experience God’s goodness personally. It’s not just a philosophical idea but a practical, life-changing encounter. Throughout history, countless individuals have found refuge in God during their darkest times. From Abraham to the apostles, God’s faithfulness shines through their stories. Today, we are invited to do the same. When we face trials, we can turn to God, trusting that He will walk with us through the valley and bring us to a place of peace.

Practical Steps to Embrace God’s Goodness

1. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness: Take time to remember moments when God has been faithful in your life. Write them down and thank Him for His goodness.

2. Seek God in Solitude: Set aside quiet moments to listen for God’s voice. In solitude, we can hear Him more clearly and find comfort in His presence.

3. Share Your Testimony: Like David, share your experiences of God’s goodness with others. Your story can encourage and inspire those around you.

A Call to Action

As we navigate life’s challenges, let us choose to take refuge in God’s goodness. When was the last time you paused to listen for God? This week, make it a priority to seek Him in solitude and reflect on His faithfulness. Share your journey with others, and invite them to experience God’s goodness too.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering goodness, even when life is hard. Help us to find refuge in You and to trust in Your faithfulness. May we experience Your presence in our trials and share Your goodness with those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By embracing God’s goodness, we can find peace and strength in the midst of life’s challenges. Let’s take refuge in Him and discover the blessings that come from trusting in His unfailing love.