Back to the word GRACE tattooed on my wrist…So my family went on this trip and we had a great time. Helen is this quaint little village nestled in the mountains and it is really beautiful! It was fun to experience everything through my children’s eyes because they get so excited about the smallest little thing. However, it was very different for me going to a town where I was so used to going on adventures and hiking up to the waterfalls instead of watching my children do all of these things that I loved to do. Don’t get me wrong I am so grateful my children were able to go but it is hard to see in pictures what I once experienced in reality. That is why I’m so glad I have the word GRACE written on my wrist. It is a constant reminder to me. For example:
The people that will not move out-of-the-way for the wheelchair to get through? GRACE.
When I lash out in anger at the people closest to me? GRACE.
The countless stores that are not handicap accessible and only have stairs to get in?!? GRACE.
The small aisles once we get in their stores that we can’t get through without knocking something down? GRACE.
The poor person pushing me through all of these small places and usually having to roll me backwards to get over a lift in the door. GRACE!
I KNOW God leans in with a gentle reminder as I feel anger, resentment, bitterness, or tears well up in my eyes. Sometimes I listen to God’s prompting of GRACE right away and sometimes I choose not to. However God is still there, leaning in and reminding me of HIS GRACE. God gave us GRACE that we do not deserve. He sent HIS only son to die on the cross for us. In Ephesians 2:8 it says “For by GRACE you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” I am also reminded that it is HIS GRACE that is sufficient for others and for me. God reminds us in 2 Corinthian‘s 12 that Paul was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him from becoming proud of his own wisdom and abilities. It tells us that three times Paul begged God to take it away and God reminded him that HIS GRACE is sufficient and that HIS POWER is made perfect in your weakness. I know it is much easier to write or read about His GRACE being sufficient than to live it out. It is hard. However it is true and my prayer for you as 2 Corinthians 12 reminds us is to "boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV
“ Grace Got You” by Mercy Me
