There’s always grace

I was listening to a sermon by Steven Furtick, who leads Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C.

And he made a very important point that I think sometimes can get overlooked, especially when we are going through difficult times in our lives.

Furtick says that while God’s plan for our lives might include seasons of heartache, sickness or struggles, his love and grace continue.

When life seems like a constant struggle and you aren’t sure where God’s blessings are, remember the grace and forgiveness he has extended to you through his son, Jesus.

And, because we’re sinners until the day we die, we are always in need of his grace. So, everyday, we can boldly go to the cross of Jesus and ask for forgiveness in his name.

In Romans 4:7-8, Paul tells us when our lawless deeds are forgiven, we are truly blessed. In verse 8 he says, “Blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

On those days when life seems hard and I’m not sure what God is doing, when the dark clouds will clear, I have to remember that I’m still being blessed.

I think that’s why Christians in third-world countries are such a model for faith. For they truly have nothing, yet they rejoice daily in knowing they are forgiven through Jesus.

A couple years ago, I was listening to an interview with Dan Haseltine, the lead singer for Christian rock band Jars of Clay. They head up a ministry called Blood: Water Mission, which he founded in 2002 after a trip to Africa. He said the two things they need is clean blood and clean water. They have worked to raise money and support to build wells throughout continent.

In his interview, he was asked what they tell the people there about Jesus. And he said they don’t have to tell them anything. Their faith, Haseltine said, is an inspiration to them.

Pastor and author John Piper said being a Christian in the U.S. is probably the hardest place to live because we have so much stuff we don’t recognize the blessings God has given us.

When we lose our jobs, our homes, our stuff, we cry out to God, asking him what he’s doing. Maybe he just wants to remind us of the true blessing of forgiveness that are fresh and new and already paid for by the blood of Jesus.

Stop and thank him today for his endless grace that will flow freely to his people forever.