In my last post of this series, Reaching for Hope, I talked about hope and how it sets us up for breakthrough.  God’s grace is more than a gift and when understood properly it propels us into the land of living, the place of promise and life.  Don’t misunderstand; I’m not talking about a perfect, problem free life, because that won’t happen on this side of heaven.  But God does promise his presence and provision, which are a result of his amazing grace.

 

God’s grace is powerful and it changes everything.  It is a gift lavishly and freely offered, but not always accepted.  When grace is embraced it is a powerhouse strategy for breakthrough.  In the embrace of grace you become connected and filled with the Holy Spirit.  You need to understand that accepting the grace of God is how you agree with God.

I believe that the gift of grace often gets set on display, like expensive glassware and collectables, admired but not touched.  God’s grace is the most extravagant gift for sure, but he never meant for it simply be admired.  Grace is profoundly powerful because it’s where you find alignment.

Grace brings the impartation of goodness, kindness, love, and forgiveness.  Do you see it?  God has planted these very things in you by way of grace so that you can manifest his favor everywhere you go.  God’s grace is to be received and released.

There is a lot of talk of “cheap grace,” but you want to know what I think?  Grace is extravagant and there is nothing cheap about it.  Christ did the heavy lifting, but you still have to receive it and let’s be honest, shall we?  Yielding to it isn’t easy.  Receiving without giving back feels wrong. Grace isn’t fair, but it’s just.

 

God’s grace redeems

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for

this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have

done, so none of us can boast about it.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

 

Start there and thank God for grace.  If it weren’t for God’s mercy and love all would be lost.  Sin is a big deal and everyone us is affected by it.

 

But God’s grace saves!  It redeems the broken and restores wholeness. You can’t earn it and you can’t take credit for it.  Salvation is a manifestation of grace which God imparts to you.  This gift is magnificent because it just keeps giving.  You receive it and then you get to release it.

When you embrace and wear grace you become a conduit, because God’s grace draws the broken and lost to the foot of the throne.  God uses you to lead the way as you minister mercy, love, kindness, and forgiveness.  All of these acts of grace point back to God.  This is how he redeems!

 

Redemption is the result of God’s grace and when you see the full picture of that exchange, it should fill you with grace for others.  What’s true for you is also true for me. The process works the same way, because it’s the invitation of a good, good Father.

 

 

 

 

God’s grace opens the way

“So Christ has truly set us free.  Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Galatians 5:1

After salvation, grace leads the way into freedom-Freedom to live in communion with God.  You were designed to live in community with God and his endless pursuit of your heart is all about bringing that back into alignment.  As amazing as that is, you still need to stand in agreement with the covenant.

He offers forgiveness and a clean slate in exchange for relationship.  Why, you ask?  He just wants you—all of you.

Receive God’s grace and walk into your freedom.  It really is that simple, but we both know simple doesn’t mean easy, right?

If freedom is that simple, why are so many people walking in bondage?  Well, that’s a fair question.  Grace opens the door to freedom, but it requires radical trust to step in and walk on.  You have to trust God and take him at his word—all of it.  Here’s the thing, God’s grace is so unbelievable multifaceted that it not only opens the way to freedom, but it also helps and leads you through it.

 

 

 

 

God’s grace leads

“God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is our God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me a surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.  He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.” 2 Samuel 22:31-35

 

God’s grace is abundant and will lead when you trust.  I know, I talk a lot about trust here at unrestrained, but I really believe trust is the fundamental issue you have to address—repeatedly—so I will continue to bring it up.  God has given everyone grace, but not everyone has received it.  Until you trust Him, believe him, and receive it, grace just waits to be realized.

Trust God and he will lead you into some magnificent places always wrapped in grace.  God’s grace will empower you to walk in the high places and the low places.  It is the manifestation of His perfect love, which covers more than you’ll ever know. And this gift of grace is his infinite promise that inspires hope and faith.  Trust God and His grace will go before and come from behind.

 

 

 

 

God’s grace restores

Redemption and restoration sometimes cross over, but not in this context.  Restoration is about renewing and reviving, while redemption is about purchase. The restoration testimonies of God’s grace are woven through scripture.

David was chosen by God, anointed, and empowered to lead the people of Israel.  This man was loved by God!

 

 “…I have found DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all my will.” Acts 13:22b

 

David did some impressive things as he trusted and followed God, but he was not perfect.  He let pride lead him into some dark places.  David neglected his calling to lead his people, had an affair, murdered a man to cover it up, and then suffered great grief when his infant son died.  (You can read the whole story in 2 Samuel 11-12.)

 

“For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.  Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight.  You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.” Psalm 51:3-4

 

Let me just say this: God loves honesty.  He knows your heart because he is God, but there is something so beautiful in that place of raw, open, honesty.  Honesty like that is fragrant and establishes intimacy.  This kind of vulnerability before God  gives Him space and permission to do in you what you can never do for yourself.  God’s grace restores your soul according to its original design-before sin.

In the end, God responded to David’s repentance with grace and restored him to power ( 2 Samuel 12).    David lost a lot, but you can see in this story the power of God’s grace to revive and restore.

 

 

 

 

The supernatural way of God’s grace

God’s grace changes you from the inside out.  As you lean in God delights to reveal himself to you.  He speaks and continues to pour out grace as you walk through life.  Grace manifests by way of mercy, compassion, favor, provision, and healing-just to name a few.  All of these graces are revelation of the nature and character of God, who loves to lavish on you, his beloved.

There is a powerful thing that happens when you step into the presence of God.  Because of the shed blood of Jesus exchanged for your sin, God looks upon you and sees you whole.  That’s what happens in his presence.  Oh, the magnificent power of God’s grace! Take that in for minute.

 

This!  This is why you want to lean in.  The presence of God is holy and sacred, and his grace ushers you in.  God’s grace makes you like new again, restoring and reviving your soul.  There is healing in his presence. Forgiveness covers the whole realm of his presence!  And all this happens as you enter in and know him.

 

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation.  I will be honored throughout the world” Psalm 46:10

 

I know I’ve already said this, but God’s grace is about restoring you to him.  His grace opens the way into his presence so that you can freely enter in.  Grace waves to fee, so that you can be revived.  God’s Grace gives you life, but only if you press in and receive.

 

The supernatural way of God’s grace is that he does it all.  Your part in this transaction is to trust and follow his lead. Believe him and obey his command.  I know it sounds contrary, but surrender is the way of freedom.

 

 

 

 

God’s grace is enough

Be careful.  God’s grace is abundant and perfect, and though he loves to pour out blessing on his beloved, you must learn to guard your heart.  It is easy to become consumed with the things of this world. Circumstances can contradict the truth of God and the enemy loves to twist and distort.  You need to remember that God’s grace is still present in the low places.

 

“Each time he said, My grace is all you need.  My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

God is enough and he will see you through.  He is present when you have illness.  Illness is not his idea, but his grace will be enough to bring you through.  Physical healing doesn’t always happen, but ultimate healing does.  God’s grace is enough.

When you are struggling with finances, God’s grace is enough.  Trust him and surrender it. Wait for him to show up in the most impossible ways.  God’s grace is enough.

 

In the loneliest places, when you face disappointment, loss, rejection, and abandonment, know that God hasn’t left you.  He is perfect and He is the only one who can restore that big hole.  Quit looking for fulfillment in other people, they will always disappoint.  That hole is God sized and he’s the only one who can touch it.  Trust him and surrender your heart. God’s grace is enough.

 

Whatever you are walking through, know that God’s grace is enough.  He is present and will restore from the inside out.  Every single deficiency of this physical realm is made new and alive by God’s grace.  Trust him and see how your perspective changes.

 

 

 

 

The greatness of God’s grace

God’s grace is a supernatural strategy for breakthrough.  When you let him lead, you find your way into a miraculous place of freedom.  No more baggage weighing you down. God’s grace is once and done, but its strength is most powerful when you stand in it. You have to position yourself in it and that happens when you trust and believe God.

 

Keep your eyes fixed on the LORD. Listen to me, God never lies.  Trust him and let your heart hear his voice, because his ways are perfect and he really is for you.

 

 

 

 

Let me leave you with this last scripture passage.  These verses have been both comforting and encouraging to me over the years. In the seasons where I had to wait, because my circumstances totally contradicted these words, God reminded my heart that His grace was enough. These verses are a promise and while I believe there is still more to come, I have indeed experienced His faithfulness!

 

“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.  He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about the wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:4-7

 

Delight in Him.  Surrender everything to him. Trust him.  Be still and wait patiently.  Quit worrying about other people and injustice.  Trust Him, because God’s grace is enough.