Grace
It’s one of those words I’ve seen over and over for the past few weeks.
It’s a word I’ve heard about since I was a child. I’ve listened to sermons on it, read books and blog posts about it. I’ve sung songs about it. My friend Rena writes about it.
However, I’ve never felt the impact of it until recently.
Grace
Merriam-Webster defines Grace as “unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification.”
My Bible defines it as “unmerited favor or undeserved blessing.”
However, Grace is much, much more.
While reading Jeremiah the last week I came across this –
Thus says the LORD: ‘The people who survived the sword Found grace in the wilderness – Israel, when I went to give him rest.’ (Jeremiah 31:2)
What does that mean Lord?
I’ve turned that verse over and over in my head for a week now. Instead of telling me what it meant, the Lord showed me what it meant.
Grace – Finding Grace in the Wilderness
First, He wanted me to know that He was ALWAYS with me and will go where I go (even in the wilderness).
Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.” So the Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” (Exodus 33:12-17, NKJV, emphasis mine)
Finding Grace in the Wilderness
Second, He brought to mind several actions of friends who showed me Grace after announcing – pubically – that I was coming out of a season of depression (a wilderness so to speak).
- Grace – the friend who listened, patiently, as I explained my situation and then didn’t offer words of condemnation or shame but offered ways I could pray.
- Grace – the friend who after months of not seeing each other texts to make a coffee date to see how I am.
- Grace – those times when I thought I was alone but realized that other people were walking this wilderness thing along with me.
Third, He allowed my mind to finally comprehend how powerful and magnificent His Grace was in my life.
Grace
As I thought back over my life and the mistakes (sins) I’ve made, It was then that I understood what the true meaning of Grace was.
Grace is realizing that when God could have left you high and dry because of what you did, He didn’t. He wrapped His arms around you and said – You’re forgiven my love. Grace. Then He brought the story of Hagar to mind (in the shower of all places).
Hagar’s story is found in Genesis 16 and Genesis 21:8-21. We mostly associate her with Ishmael and then forget about her. However, her story is about Finding Grace in the Wilderness.
After Isaac was born, Abraham banished Hagar and Ishmael to the Wilderness of Beersheba. Once the water was used up, Ishmael came to the point of death. What does Hagar do? She places the boy under one of the bushes.
She moves away from him and weeps. I imagine she felt like she was in a wilderness – depressed and frightened because her son was going to die. Probably thinking she caused it. {Oh how I can understand what she might have gone through.}
What does God do? He swoops in and provides Water – Grace as Merriam-Webster defined it – unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification.
Grace. Hagar Found it in the Wilderness when she was alone and frightened.
Grace. I understand you know. I Found you in the Wilderness.
Grace . . . Amazing Grace
So, where have you Found Grace in the Wilderness. Leave a comment so others can rejoice with you.
Follow 2 Serve 
Grace. I feel as though I’ve wandered in a wilderness I hadn’t recognized. I didn’t realize I was there. There, wandering around in religion that I condemned. Because I know it is the Spirit that gives life, that gives liberty. I didn’t recognize my own wilderness of law. It’s been a subtle thing to us, the church, the turning away from grace. However, I’m certain the world recognizes is. It’s a haughty dressed up version of nothing more than death. Yet we claim to set them all free.
Now, after 43 years of life, I’m beginning to really grasp the beauty of grace. Grace gives life. Grace frees. The law kills. I’m learning slowly, undoing slowly the mindsets that I’ve adapted, practiced, believed.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2
Grace is my song. I’m learning to receive it, to believe it. And then, I’m able to extend it. It’s a beautiful thing!
Yes indeed Rena – love your words an how you walk Grace out. Love ya!
I’m 63 and have experienced many opportunities to drink from Grace’s well. I find that Grace is like a power drink that refreshes and strengthens to give me the courage to press on knowing that I am going forward into eternity…all the other stuff does not go with me. Thanks for making me think about what strngth is in that word GRACE.
Yes, there is strength in Grace. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, grace, my OneWord2013 wrapped in the heart of a sister who wears grace and her friend (you) who has mirrored Him back to her. I have several notes on grace, as preached through the voice of Joseph Prince. They have truly offered fresh perspective. Keep your eyes peeled, as I plan to share them soon. {I can also share the links with you directly. If interested, just email me.}
Thanks Ginger. I’ve come to recognize Grace more and more each day. I’ll keep a look out for your notes.