2 Corinthians 6:1 “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.”
Christianity. It’s a faith full of surprises. C.S. Lewis wrote of being surprised by joy. NT Wright’s book, Surprised by Hope, digs into a Christian’s view of eternity. One of the most surprising aspects of my walk with Christ lies in the unsuspecting, mysterious expressions of grace. You could say I’ve been surprised by grace.
I’ve known about grace all my life. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense, right? Anyone who has even a slight brush with Christianity has probably sung “Amazing Grace.” But we become so familiar with the concept of grace we almost miss its power.
Grace offered me salvation when I didn’t even realize I needed saving. It still does. When the Holy Spirit reveals hidden pockets of darkness in my soul, it’s grace that enables me to repent rather than fall prey to self-justification. It helps me hold on when my feelings shout “give up!”
Grace keeps me aware that all the undeserved pleasures I experience in life are gifts from a good Father. Who am I that I should be able to appreciate so many pleasantries in life? I can enjoy a good book. Be in a stadium with over 100,000 fans cheering on my football team. Roast chestnuts and relish a quiet evening with my husband. The fact I can even see these things as gifts from the God who loves me is grace saying, “Surprise!”
Grace shows up in unexpected places when we let its spirit saturate us. I’m angry at the behavior of a fellow believer, but when I go to confront her, loving concern instead of righteous indignation overcomes me. That’s grace. Disappointments that used to hang on me like the odor of rotting potatoes no longer linger. That’s grace. Someone lobs a hurtful remark my way, but I let it go. That’s grace.
Paul warned the Corinthians not to take the grace of God in vain. He said if they failed to give what they received, their supply would soon dry up. The nature of grace bid them to pass the unmerited riches on. As they poured out, their storehouse of grace would actually increase! Yet another surprising quality of this precious commodity.
Friend, don’t receive God’s grace in vain. Get soaked in its surprises!
Mrs. Toews,
I received a copy of your devotional recently from Theresa Discavage. The problem is I’m having to retrain myself to only read one day at a time. I want to keep on reading.
I’m also reading Oswald Chambers devotional. I’m enjoying both books very much, they are very different though. Yours “to me” seems like easy listening music where Oswald’s book is “heavy” and oft requires several readings to half-way understand what he is teaching. Both are great reads in their own right.
Another book that has had a great influence on my life is “Transforming Grace” by Jerry Bridges. Salvation by Grace is easier to understand than “Living by Grace”.
Again, thanks for writing your book, when I finish it this year, I’ll just start over next year. At my age of 72, I figure I’ll get two or three more readings.
Ed Burnum
Ed, thank you for taking the time to contact me. I’m thrilled that you are enjoying Between the Lamp Posts. Blessings to you! Becky