Monday, July 21, 2014

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
 
I know this song very well. I was blessed to grow up in church and singing this is one of my earliest memories.
But what do the words really mean? My little 3 year old mind did not know what grace was as I sang out the words. And it really wasn't until I became and adult that I have began to grasp the immeasurable, beautiful, abundance of His grace. His grace has become a treasure.

 T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed
 
When I was 5 years old I recognized my need for a Savior and asked for Jesus to take over my life. I remember the conviction in my heart and the joy of the forgiveness of my sins. My relationship with God had just begun. My relationship with him has been an anchor when the storms of life have hit.
 
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.


 When we begin our journey with God there is no promise of perfect life. There will be "dangers, toils, and snares". There will be unimaginable pain when terrible things happen. There will be tragedy. But there is always Grace. Sometimes I had to fight tooth and nail to find it. Sometimes I was only hanging on by faith alone when I could not feel God around me. But it is there. Grace held me together.
 
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
 
 Grace and Hope go hand in hand together.  Hope to me is faith sustained. I have hoped in His grace when I felt alone, unworthy, and weak. I have reminded myself that I am his daughter and his grace is always, always there.
 
 GRACE

8. (Ecclesiastical Terms) Christianity

a. the free and unmerited favour of God shown towards man

b. the divine assistance and power given to man in spiritual rebirth and sanctification

c. the condition of being favoured or sanctified by God

d. an unmerited gift, favour, etc, granted by God

 

I love these definitions! I especially love "the condition of being favoured and sanctified by God".  Notice how being favoured and sanctified are coupled together? How are we sanctified? I have grown the most whenever I have gone through a trial. God doesn't leave us in the storm. Being in a storm doesn't mean he doesn't favor you. His favor means he is always there. That you are his child.  He refines us. He sanctifies us when we rely on him. That is his love. He will sanctify and refine us in the storm and when we come out on the other side we will be more like him.
 
Psalm 23 NIV
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
    he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me
 
See? The Good Shepherd will lead us through the valley. He doesn't take us around it. He will take us through the darkness. Back to the green pastures and quiet waters. I believe everyone goes through seasons on life. Everyone has their own unique story. Some storms last longer than others but that doesn't mean God is not there for you. Believe in his Grace. Cling to his Hope. He is there!
 
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.


{John Newton (1725-1807)}