Have you ever stopped to think about good ol' grace? I recently brainstormed an acronym for GRACE to guide us all through this pandemic, and then I got to thinking--
1. Any time life shifts, any time things will never be the same, we can apply, and re-apply it. I have certainly applied and reapplied these action steps when my story took a turn in 2008:
Ground yourself.
Re-establish routine.
Adopt a new normal.
Connect creatively.
Eat well + exercise.
2. I've also heard of a biblical acronym for GRACE, and it sets the stage for how we should give and receive it in general, including how we implement our version [above]:
God's Riches At Christ's Expense
Have you ever wondered why grace can be so hard to give, or it's the last weapon we choose from our arsenal when the going gets tough? Grace, a weapon? Yes, a weapon against the Enemy, a weapon against darkness that attempts to consume Christ's light in us, and how it shines through us.
Maybe it's because grace isn't free. It's a gift to us that we cannot earn because Christ paid for it in full. Jesus didn't pick and choose on the cross. He went further and said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
You've probably seen a label on products that come in bulk or in a variety pack, and on each individual product is printed: Not For Individual Resale. You are receiving the benefits of a deal that has been pre-packaged, it's complete, the best value at a lower price--we get to save some moolah!
Hmmm...
Grace isn't free, and it is Not For Individual Resale. There's no bargaining when it comes to what He did for us--the greatest love, the ultimate sacrifice, something we could not do for ourselves, let alone a stranger. But that's what He did for you and me. We are simply extending a gift that's been lavished upon us, pre-paid, in full, His best for our worst--He saved our souls. Wow!
Think on this next time tempers flare, or things just don't make sense. Whether the disturbance is internal, or external, beckon grace. Her benefits are comprehensive. They are universal. Accept her for yourself, and award her to someone else.
Shush Your Shame
Jennifer Jackson