Thursday, December 29, 2016

A Word for the Turning of the Year


 
 
As we prepare to end one year and begin another, one word stands out for me: grace.  And the source of grace is God.
 
Grace defines our past: sins forgiven, brokenness redeemed, grief assuaged, blessings too numerous to count.
 
Grace defines our future: God, who is already there, holds our lives in His hands and His hands are full of grace.
 
Grace defines our present: “My grace is sufficient for you”—anywhere, for anything, all the time (2 Cor. 12:9).
 
Make all the resolutions you want.  Who among us can’t stand some personal growth and improvement: lose weight, forsake a sin, spend time with God each day, exercise regularly, make a new friend, say “I love you” more often to the people you love, begin a new hobby.  Make all the resolutions you want and best wishes in following through.
 
As for me, I resolve to do some things better too, but I since I know myself so well, I mostly resolve to rest in the grace of God.  John Newton said it best:

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come.
Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

2 comments:

  1. Amen, Pastor. "My grace is sufficient!" Experience has proven that to me many times!

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  2. Thanks for reading and commenting, Barbara. Grateful God's has always shown you his sufficient grace.

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