The Gift
I was talking with a friend earlier and she made the observation that everyone we know is going through something difficult. More likely than not, a few things are happening in their lives and/or those they know and love. I know that’s the case for us. Life not only feels like it’s going supersonic but it feels heavier.
I came across John 1:16 “For from His fullness we have received grace upon grace.” ESV
Let’s just sit with that for a minute. GRACE UPON GRACE. FROM HIS FULLNESS.
Can you think of examples of grace you have received lately? Some of mine have been: A moment of beauty in the middle of the day. A deep breath while looking at nature and remembering how marvelous our God is. Joy as you watch kids play and laugh. Peace when you see a baby sleep.
We are able to receive the gifts of beauty, joy and more BECAUSE of His fullness. It’s not a one and done type of deal. Rather it’s a grace upon grace again and again; over and over; continually and ongoing type of gift.
So when we think of all the heaviness and craziness of life, let’s pray grace upon grace over it. For us to know that it’s not dependent on how our quiet time went that morning. Or if we got frustrated at someone while driving, waiting in line or in our home. Or if we forgot to text or call that person. We will mess up several times a day and none of that will change how much grace we have because it’s from the fullness of God. And He pours it out generously and freely.
We can then give someone the same grace we’ve received regardless of how they are managing their hard and crazy life.
We can give grace and space to ourselves and others to live, mess up, figure it out, make it right and keep going.
Life is hard enough, we don’t need to add on all the crappy things we say to ourselves and what we messed up on today. Our enemy would love it if we would falter in our faith.
Hosanna Wong asks: “Will we choose to let the opinions of others and the pain of circumstances define and control us? or will we choose to fight for our minds, our mentalities and our lives?
We have a choice in how we deal with each day and what we align our thoughts and actions to.
Whose voice is loudest in your head? Are you rehearsing all the ways you messed up - again? Is there guilt? Hopelessness? Are you remembering all the wonderful things God promises you and calls you? Are you reminding the enemy of your soul that you are chosen and loved? Whose voice is the loudest?
Even in this we have grace upon grace.
“I Am Your Beloved” by Bethel is a song I have been listening to on repeat. There is a line that hits me e.v.e.r.y. time. Soak up these words: “The One who knows me best loves me most.”
The Mighty and Majestic Almighty God sees you, knows you - like really knows you - and loves you more than other person on Earth!!!
Yes, life is hard and heavy AND/ALSO beautiful and full of grace upon grace.
No matter what we are walking through or asked to carry in this season, we can receive the gift of grace upon grace. We also have the opportunity to fight and to choose the voice we listen to.
Be strong Beloved of God!!! You are not alone! What a beautiful gift we have been given.
I hope that you have a wonderful day and find time to rest this weekend. I heard someone say, “If you work with your head, Sabbath with your hands and if you work with your hands, Sabbath with your head.”
That may help you know how to Sabbath this weekend.
All My Love ~
xo ~ Jodi
P.S. Dean and I are going to Maine so we can take care of his mom. I will be using this next few weeks to set aside some time to seek God in a more intentional way. If you think of me, please pray for clarity as well as a refreshing and renewing time. Thank you!!!!
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