Strong in Grace

What does it mean to you to, “be strong in grace?” We know that grace is unmerited favor, that given to us from God, even though we did nothing to deserve it. But that grace causes something to happen within us. It enables us to walk worthy, even when we are afraid. It propels us through darkness as well as the light. It enables us to make just one more step when we either think we cannot, or we are too afraid to. It is an attitude that Jesus loved us so much that He went that extra step, all the way to Calvary so that we could be saved. So how do we walk strong in grace? We step out and do things that are uncomfortable for us, because the Lord has put that step in our hearts to accomplish. The flesh will fight it, but the heart will defend it, and we will make a choice to either believe and step out in faith, or we will turn around and find somewhere to hide. Paul tells Timothy to be strong in grace, and here is how he describes it: ” You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to reach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter. Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead and descended from David. This is according to my gospel. I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound. This Is why I endure all things for the elect so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” 2 Timothy 2: 1-10 So grace is like the soldier committing all for the Commanding Officer, even though it may cost him dearly; grace is the athlete who pours everything he has into winning, even though he fails many times, he never gives up; grace is the farmer who pours out his sweat to bring in a crop that will be used for another; his attention being on the bounty of the crop, and not on his own difficulties. Grace allows us to focus on Him who poured out grace to us, enabling us to imitate His actions. Grace allows us to not worry about what tomorrow brings, for our attention is given to today, and the journey we will walk right now. Paul ends this part of his letter to Timothy with this: “For if we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself.” (11-13) Think about that with me today. If our journey is fraught with dangers even to the point of death, we will not be afraid because our true life is with Him and in Him. If we endure, it will be by the grace given us, and the goal and prize will be to reign with Him. But if we turn around because the road is too hard or the price too great to pay, He will also deny us before the Father. He will remain faithful even when we cannot, but we can! For grace poured out to us will enable us to go through any trial, any situation that presents itself, and He will be with us through all that, so lift your head up, for the Lord will go before you and I today, on whatever endeavor and journey He has planned for us. And we will be strong in grace. Ps. Andy