by:
03/13/2025
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I wrestled with challenges this morning, asking God, “What am I not seeing?” Pride often drives us to fix things ourselves, but the Holy Spirit whispered, “Grace.” I don’t fully grasp grace, yet it’s key to seeing life differently. Jesus said, “I came for the sick, the blind” (Luke 5:31-32). Admitting I don’t see is where God meets us—He doesn’t want know-it-alls, but seekers.
Grace isn’t automatic; it requires effort. Scripture urges us to “seek the Lord” (Psalm 105:4). We cannot claim to desire God without pursuing Him—words without action lack faith. Romans 12:2 instructs us to renew our minds daily, presenting a challenge to recognize God amid complaints or self-centered desires. Grace shifts our perspective from what we want to what God wills.
The Bible reveals grace through examples like strength in weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Admitting “I’m weak” invites God’s strength—denying it blinds us. Grace also shines in unconditional love (Romans 5:8), forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), provision (2 Corinthians 9:8), peace (John 14:27), wisdom (James 1:5), and God’s greater plan (Romans 8:28). These show grace as unmerited favor, freely given, not earned.
Practically, grace appears daily. Waking up, eating, moving—simple acts reflect it. Cultivating grace means self-compassion—forgiving our flaws instead of self-criticism—and extending it: forgiving others, showing kindness, or staying patient in traffic. Gratitude for small blessings, like a smile or safe worship, keeps us aware.
Yet blinders obstruct grace. Resentment, pride, unforgiveness, busyness, fear, or a transactional mindset (“I must earn it”) obscure God’s gifts. Without grace, we criticize ourselves, pursue approval, or cling to grudges—missing out on peace. Extending grace balances forgiveness with boundaries: we love without enabling and help without becoming doormats.
Grace isn’t passive—it’s active pursuit and application. It’s boasting in weakness so Christ’s power rests on us, trusting God’s plan over ours. As Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Grace sustains us through trials, offering inner strength and community support (Acts 2:42).
This week, seek grace daily. Look for it in hardships and blessings. Boundaries matter—forgive, but don’t tolerate harm; rest, but stay disciplined. Grace without limits exhausts; boundaries without grace harden us. Healthy grace reflects God’s love with wisdom and balance.
In prayer, I ask God to help us embrace this unearned favor, granting strength, peace, and humility to see and share it. Grace isn’t just survival—it’s the path to glory.
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