abound
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:1-2 NIV
The core message of the gospel is simple: you are not enough, but Jesus is.
This is good news! Grace doesn’t teach us to rely on ourselves. In fact, a life of grace doesn’t look to self at all because it understands that this undeserved favor is given apart from anything we ourselves have done (Eph 2:8-9).
When we buy into the lie that we need to be “enough,” we essentially are believing the lie satan told Eve in the garden— that we can be like God (Gen 3:4-5). Before we know it we become doubtful, judgmental or God forbid self-righteous, which ultimately is a self delusion that somehow we have everything under control. But the Bible is quick to remind us we are not in control. We are not the heroes of our own story.
God made us in need of redemption. It’s never about being perfect— it’s about being His.
Free yourself from the bondage of performance and receive this free gift today. You don’t need to prove yourself. You don’t need to spend your life looking for your value. You don’t need the next self-help book on the best seller list. You need to look to Jesus, whose yoke is easy, whose burden is light (Mt 11:30).
As we abound in this glorious grace, we become the conduits through which God can pour His love onto a hurting world searching for this freedom and peace.
reflect:
Romans 5 says, “this grace which we now stand.” You don’t have to rely on yesterday’s grace for there is fresh grace to stand on TODAY. Rather than try to muster up your own passion and strength, remember who you are before Christ and thank Him for the glorious grace you’ve been given.
Is there anyone in your life who needs to know the grace of God? Pray for them to encounter the Lord today.
centering prayer
LORD, how wonderful to know I have peace with you through faith in Jesus. amen.
