“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
– Romans 5:8 (NIV)
Daily Meditation: 1 Peter 5, Titus 2:11-15
Is there anything as amazing as the grace of the Lord?
Today’s verse, Romans 5:8, does not read, “While we tried really hard, Christ died for us,” or “When we gave up our habitual sin and prayed and fasted, God gave us grace.” No. God’s love for us is demonstrated “while we were still sinners,” and no matter how spiritually mature we become, we never grow beyond our need for God’s grace.
We can never be good enough to earn God’s love, acceptance, and forgiveness. His grace is the only way for us to have a relationship with him. We are given sufficient grace to persevere through trials (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). Grace is given in various forms through our gifts (1 Peter 4:10). When we are humble, God gives us more grace (James 4:6). Grace is given to us in abundance (2 Peter 1:2).
Sometimes we operate as if God’s grace were scarce. Can I really come to God with yet another request for forgiveness? Will God hear my prayer in spite of all my past failures? Can I walk in peace and confidence, free from shame or insecurity, knowing that God’s grace has covered me? The answer is always yes.
Sufficient Grace. Abundant Grace. Amazing Grace.
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.”
– John Newton
Be fearless: Sometimes our fear, insecurity, or shame can hinder us from fully feeling and receiving the grace of God. Meditate today on one of the scriptures from our devotion: 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, 1 Peter 4:10, James 4:6, or 2 Peter 1:2. Thank God for his grace right now. As you walk through your day today, keep in mind that you are walking through life covered in God’s free and unmerited love and blessings, his grace.
by Julie Clinton & Dina Jones
Spend this summer growing closer to the Lord and becoming the fearless, strong, and faithful woman you are meant to be in Him! In Be Fearless, Julie Clinton provides a scripturally-sound guide for finding freedom, purpose, joy… and fearlessness. Exclusively offered by Extraordinary Women Ministries, Be Fearless is now available in our store! https://www.aacc.net/product/be-fearless/ We hope you will spend this summer growing closer to the Lord and stepping into the fearless, strong, faithful woman you are meant to be in Him.
Julie Clinton, MAd, MBA, is president of Extraordinary Women and host of EWomen conferences all across America. She is the author of several books including A Woman’s Path to Emotional Freedom, 10 Things You Aren’t Telling Him, and Extraordinary Women. She is passionate about seeing women live out their dreams by finding their freedom in Christ. Julie and her husband, Tim, live in Virginia with their children, Megan and Zach.