I’ve believed some big lies lately about grace. Their seeds took root in my heart and sprouted shady leaves, casting doubt on the power, plan, and grace of God. Is his grace enough for this season of life?
Here are some common lies I was letting bounce around my head like an annoying, loud pinball machine.
I can only live out my godly purpose when:
- I don’t feel depressed
- My house is finally clean
- I have a thriving business
- Everyone adores me
- I had a great night’s rest
- No one opposes my views
- It goes the way I envisioned it
- I am completely healed
- Fear doesn’t grip my stomach
- I no longer remember my past
But God’s grace is enough and he can work in me through:
- Struggling with depression
- My chaotic, messy house
- A slow-growing business (according to the pace I think is “good”)
- Being exhausted
- People-pleasing to say the “right” things
- When it goes completely different than I expected
- Still being broken
- Struggling with sin
- Fears and doubts
- My worst memories
Why?
His grace is enough.
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NIV)
God knows my weaknesses. He knows my limitations and he knows all of humanity is broken. I’m not the odd one out who doesn’t have her junk together. That’s what the enemy wants me to believe so I withdraw, isolate, and rejected God’s blessing and calling for me. Why do I feel like I have to have it all together and be perfect? Not for fear of the Lord, but for fear of people, fear of rejection, fear I will get hurt again and lose love. I’ve been holding on to the lie I need to have it all figured out before I invite others in. But the truth is, we’re probably believing similar lies and suffering in silence.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God so that in due time he may lift you up. 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)
The truth about grace
I am not meant to be perfect to be loved by my Father. Differently, pride keeps me from relationships with others and an honest relationship with him. Papa God – I know you love to heal. You love to restore. But you also love to grow and shape my heart more into the humble, gentle loving heart of Christ. You use my weaknesses to mold me, reshape me, and shape me again.
I don’t want to abide by any gospel except for the true one. Sometimes God heals and delivers, sometimes he waits or doesn’t. I don’t think I’ll understand why this side of heaven. In this life, brokenness surrounds us, it’s part of life. But the one true comfort I’ve found is Jesus.
Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
He loved us so much he endured tremendous pain to the point of death. He had to do this before he was resurrected and overcame death. By his sacrifice, we have access to healing and a relationship with our Father. He loves restoration in big things and little things alike. His grace is for all of it and for everyone who asks.
How will you respond?
But friend, you don’t know what I’ve done.
His grace is enough.
You don’t know the pressure I feel.
His grace is enough.
You don’t know my story.
His grace is enough.
It’s enough for me. It’s enough for you. But we need to admit we need him, constantly.
I’m realizing this beautiful, yet broken life, of walking out his calling for me is much more of a journey, where I am drawn deeper and deeper into his grace and I get to know him as a good friend, a loving Father. His love and grace refresh me often as I draw close in prayer, solitude, and meditating on his Word. I am not taught once and expected to do life perfectly from there on out. Whew, praise God it’s not like that. No, the invitation is in every day:
Give us this day, our daily bread. More like moment-by-moment bread for me.
Friend, hang on to hope. His mercies are new each morning. Approach the throne of grace with confidence so we may receive mercy and grace in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Reflection Questions:
- Where do you have needs today? Physically? Spiritually? Emotionally? Relationally? Professionally? Bring them to the Lord and ask to receive his grace and mercy.
- What is your natural tendency when discomfort or disappointment happens?
- Where can you show up and bring your full self? Who can you confide in about your struggles and see how God works through them?
- How do you deal with shame, pain, and trauma from your story?