GOD’S GRACE IN HARD TIMES!

Friday, May 15, 2020

GOD’S GRACE IN HARD TIMES!

1 Cor 10:13

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

           I’ve been thinking a lot about GRACE. Our English word has a variety of meanings associated with it. It can mean an elegant air if you are speaking of a lady. If you are late with a payment it can refer to a period of time before any penalty is applied. If you are a student, it may be extra points added to your grade by your teacher. Grace is always a good thing.

           Someone has said that God’s grace is “divine influence upon the heart which has an effect upon the life.” So, grace changes the heart and the heart changes the behavior. It simply doesn’t work the other way around. You can’t change the heart by changing forcing a change in behavior.

           Someone else has said that grace is “the desire and ability to do God’s will.” It is assumed that this grace comes from God. Our desire is influenced, and our agreement cements it in our heart. The result is that the will of God is done in our life.

           In our text, grace is implied. Things are not good. In fact, they are bad. Suffering is mentioned although it is common suffering. Because it is OUR suffering, we think it to be worse than the suffering of others, but God thinks otherwise. Grace is given as “a way to escape.” Along with the torment we are given the ability to endure it.

           Christian, are you going through it today? Ask God for His special grace. He is merciful and easy to be entreated. Ask and ye shall receive! Seek and ye shall find! Knock and it shall be opened unto you.

Dear Lord, my heart is broken for those who are sorrowing today. Grant them your special grace today. AMEN