The word "grace" is one of those special words that belong to the child of God. One of my favorite "grace" scriptures is wrapped in a promise.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Some friendships blossom and then die. Health is unsure. Riches and wealth often remain out of reach. Those we love will pass, leaving a void in our hearts. But the "grace" of God will never fail, run out or run dry. It will never be insufficient.
The road may be long and dreary. The days may be filled with difficulties and struggles. But rest assured that there will be "grace" sufficient for every need and every trial.
This is the promise of God and that is the hope of the saints.
Just as weary sheep are refreshed by feasting in green pastures and drinking from still waters and lying in places of safety and peace, so are the saints of God refreshed by their Divine Shepherd.
Remember when The Lord saved you from your sinful condition? Were there times when you neglected God's house, His Word and His fellowship? Times when coldness wrapped around your soul?
Then, in your backslidden condition the Divine Shepherd forgave your trespasses, lifting you out of apathy and complacency and restoring spiritual victory.
This is always accomplished through confession and repentance.
Our Divine Shepherd does this for his sheep. He melts the coldness of their hearts with the warmness of His embrace.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
High school and college graduates will find success on the path of life as they use the following recipe:
- Know you are a born again child of God
- Consider every decision, every activity, every plan and purpose in the light of eternity, laid out before The Lord.
- Focus on Heavenly things.
- Avoid getting caught up in things of the world that would swamp your mind and hinder your walk.
- Focus on the Word of God and prayer.
- Allow Jesus to live through you.
- Have faith in God--give Him the rubble in your path.
- Wherever you roam, find a true church.
- Should you stumble, look to Jesus; He will lift you up.
- Never forget that God is always with you.
Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forever more.
The will of God ought to be a source of strength and satisfaction to the child of God, just as if he sat down at a sumptuous feast.
If what we are doing tears us down instead of builds us up, then we may well question whether it is the will of God for us.
Our Lord didn't look on the Father's will as a heavy burden or a distasteful task. He viewed His work as a nourishment of His soul. Doing the Father's will fed Him and satisfied Him inwardly.
Psalm 40: I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Have Thine own way, Lord;Have Thine own way.
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Adelaide A. Pollard
