A thru Z: G is for Grace

It has been some time since I've posted an A thru Z entry. While I can make the excuse of being too busy, fulfilling other needs, I think the real reason is that G is a biggy for me. It doesn't stand for goodness, or goodies, for girls or greatness. G is for grace, and not just any kind. It is for God's extravagant grace -- the freely given, unmerited love of God that goes beyond what is deserved.

My life has been marked by God's extravagant grace. Actually all our lives have been marked by God's extravagant grace, whether or not we chose to believe it or take hold of if. The shear fact that God provided Jesus, His own Son, fully man and fully God, to live on this earth only to be crucified for the sake of our sins, as the one and only offering ever needed to be made right with God, is the greatest testimony of grace.

God wants us in a right relationship with Him and gives us every opportunity to take hold of that intimacy. He knows our sin, and that we can never be good enough, or great enough, to earn His love or favor. But He loves us regardless of our wicked hearts and depraved minds. He loves us because we are His children. He desires for our relationship to be restored to Him through our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and acceptance of His atoning sacrifice.

What breaks my heart, when I consider God's grace, is how many times a day, hour, month, year, that I (that all of us), ignore God's grace and love. We cast it aside, choosing to wallow in our own muck and sin. We turn to others, and other things, for comfort and affection. God is standing there, open arms, ready for us to admit our own misdoings and ill-fated actions. He is love, and with that love is prepared to wash us clean. Why do we run from Him? Why do we fear God more than we revere God?

Vicki, at Windows to My Soul, has compiled a profound list of Scripture truths declaring God's grace. Here are just a few that speak to my heart, but be sure to head over to read her entire list.

• Grace is knowing there is no more guilt, condemnation and punishment (Romans 8:2).

• Grace is knowing that God loves me and accepts me just the way I am, not because of what I do, but because of the Cross (Romans 5:5-8).

• Grace is knowing that there is nothing I can do to make God love me more, and nothing I could do to make him love me less (Romans 8:39).

• Grace is knowing that it is not up to me to do or die or strive and strain, but to believe that He will do it all for me (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

• Grace is knowing that my sin and failure cannot overcome the grace of God, contrary to popular belief (Romans 5:20-21).

• Grace is knowing that no matter what I do or how I mess up, God is going to love me through all eternity (Rom. 11:6; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 4:6).

• Grace is knowing that I have all I need because Christ is in me - and I am in Him - and He is in the Father (John 14:20).

• Grace is knowing that freedom is my birthright as a child of God, not something I have to attain (Gal. 5:1; John 8:32,36).

• Grace is knowing that I am dead to sin and alive to God because of what God has done, and nothing that I do (Romans 6:4-7).

• Grace is knowing that the important thing is not what I do or don't do, but faith in what God has done and who I am in Christ (Galatians 6:5,14).

• Grace is knowing that I'm secure in Christ, that I do not have to fear any person, and that He will never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5,6).

• Grace is knowing that victory is not something to work for, but it has already been given to me (1 Cor. 15:56; Eph.2:6; Eph 1:19-21).

Of course, there is no better song that describes God's grace, then the one penned by John Newton:

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace (How sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!

Thro' many dangers, toils and snare,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall profess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine.

My life, truly, is marked by God's amazing and extravagant grace. I was a wretch that He did save. I once was lost, but was truly found. I was blind, but now I see. My story is one of redemption and grace. I hope one day, that it will be story I can share publicly, but at this point in my life I have determined to honor those that prefer it to be private. It is such a challenge, as I want all to know of what God saved me from and of the miracle of who I am today. Just believe this: there is nothing that is impossible with God. He can take the worst of sinners and transform their lives by His grace.

I can boldly proclaim that the God who called me here, will be forever mine. It doesn't mean that my life is perfect. I am fully with sin, as much as I was before. I am prone to condemnation, when my eyes focus inward instead of on Christ. But I am saved by the grace of God and my life has been marked by the privilege of sharing His grace with others.

I pray that you will take the time to reflect on God's grace in your own life. Share with others the way God's love and unmerited favor has left its mark on you. Give God the glory and take hold of your freedom in Christ. Any other way of living is just futile, my friends. Join me in basking in the extravagant grace of God!

To learn more about A thru Z, click here.