Surprising Grace

but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

I particularly love this translation of this verse - it blows the meaning of grace wide open. We’ve spent the past few days looking at some of the attributes of God - some of His characteristics. Some of His attributes, some of the things that make Him God. We can’t exhaust His character and His ways, but today we will take a look at His Grace.

Growing up, the definition of grace that I often heard was that it was “unmerited favour”. This simply meant that we have favour bestowed on us when we do nothing to earn it, we have no merit, no good thing, no right to God’ grace. We simply do not deserve it. Do you ever feel a slight awkwardness when someone deliberately waits behind a little to hold a door open for you? Especially when it’s a complete stranger who you’ve barely made eye contact with? I do! I actually find myself shuffling a little quicker so they don’t have to wait for me too long.

What good thing have you done for them to hold the door open for you? Do you know them at all? Do you deserve it? After all, you could open the door again yourself - you’re quite capable. You’ve not met them at all and you’ll probably never see or meet them again. They know this and they’re not expecting any sort of repayment. That little thing there, it's called Grace. Unmerited favour.

Now it would be ludicrous to try and compare this is any way to God’s Grace, but it provides an idea of how we as humans extend Grace. I’m sure we can all think of different instances of when we have extended grace to another person or been the recipients of grace. Receiving grace is a great feeling, it shows the completely selfless nature of the giver. We see this with God - the giver of perfect and complete Grace. He gives us good things, good gifts, good family and friends and many other good things even though we don’t deserve to receive them. He shows us favour when we don’t deserve it. His strength is shown best in our weakness - when we have no choice but to rely on Him completely.

You see the constant protection and covering you take for granted each day? That’s Grace.

The train that was delayed by a few minutes so you could catch it? Grace.

The money you forgot you were owed, but turned up in time for your next payment? Grace.

The pharmacist that was begrudgingly working late but you were able to collect your medication? Grace.

The job you were “accidentally” interviewed for? Grace. Unmerited Favour.

Waking up each & every day? GRACE.

The best thing about God’s grace is that never requires repayment and He gives of it freely and in copious measure!

Here’s what He says to you today:

“I delight to give you good things, my child (Matthew 7:11). I delight in showing you my grace. You don't have to do anything to receive it. I give you Grace because I am good. I’m a doting father who wants to give you good gifts. No matter the situation, I will always be here. When you are weak, I am strong. Accept my Grace.”

Pray this prayer today:

God, thank you for your Grace. Thank you for showing me favour when I don't deserve it. Thank you for not treating me as my deeds deserve, but for showing me your unending Grace.