“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8 & 9)
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
Experts say eating well and exercising are crucial for our overall health. Here is my testimony: About 5 years ago, my overall health had started to decline, lots of unexplainable aches and pains, less energy, less physically capable at work, at home. I started learning how to eat well, gradually changed my eating habits and began regularly exercising. Five years later, I feel healthier and more capable now than I felt 20 years ago. The takeaway? Instructions and theory are helpful, but personal testimonies are just as necessary to provide evidence and overcome skepticism that a product or a practice or a belief actually works!
In that light, let’s talk about “grace” – not the name of our church, not even the reason for the name of our church, but grace, “God's unmerited, unearned favor and kindness toward humanity, most notably expressed through the salvation offered by Jesus Christ”. In today’s verses Paul provides a personal testimony about God’s grace, something far more important than your overall health! Below is a list of many, many more testimonies of God’s grace from the lyrics of Matthew West’s song, Grace Wins:
For the Prodigal Son, grace wins// For the woman at the well, grace wins
For the blind men and the beggar, grace wins// For always and forever, grace wins
For the lost out on the street, grace wins// For the worst part of you and me, grace wins
For the thief on the cross, grace wins// For a world that is lost, grace wins
If you have never experienced God’s grace, I hope this inspires you to learn more about God’s grace and to give it a try.
Prayer Prompt: Holy Spirit, please speak to me about grace. I really need your grace today. Lord God, your word says grace is a gift – I ask for that gift today. Open my eyes to those around me who need to know about your grace? Help me stop today and offer a personal testimony of your grace in my life.
Song of the Day: Grace Wins - Matthew West
