Grace, then, is grace,–that is to say, it is sovereign, it is free, it is sure, it is unconditional, and it is everlasting.” ~ Alexander Whyte

I’ve been thinking about grace lately.

I’ve needed it.

Last week my church kicked off a twenty-one day fast. We were given three different fasts to participate in.

1. Social media/technology
2. Lunch (skip lunch everyday)
3. The Daniel fast (no processed food)

Fasting isn’t new to me. At one time in my life I fasted every Wednesday for three years (or so it seems)–it might have been only one or two.

I’ve held my own “Daniel fast” too. It’s been a few years though, and during that fast I did it as I prayed for a loved one with cancer. Urgency always strengthens my resolve.

That experience helped me know it wouldn’t be easy. But this fast has been exceptionally trying, and honestly, I’ve been disappointed with myself.

And that’s where grace steps in.

I was trying to do more than one fast. Can you say “overachiever”? Rather than choosing one fast, I decided to try to do both #2 and #3.  I think that has been part of my problem. (Smile). Yet Grace.

I’ve heard grace described as a gift received that we don’t deserve while mercy is punishment withheld. We know (at least in our heads) that by the grace of God we are granted mercy. Saved. Made new. Seated in the heavenlies somehow though our feet still trudge on earth’s dirt.

We’re living in the middle of the now and the not yet. Sinless yet sinners.

God wiped our slate clean two thousand years ago, but He also wipes it clean every morning.

So grace. . . .

We all need it. And we’ve been given it whether we feel it or not. His grace has been poured over us.

This week, I’m going to chew on grace. Rather than trying to do two fasts, I will only do one–chosen only after I’m directed by the Holy Spirit. I would appreciate your prayers.

I’m going to ask for a greater understanding of the outpouring of saving grace and the inward manifestation of daily grace-that supernatural measure of ability His Spirit gives when we ask. There is more to grace than meets the eye.

[tweetability]I’m choosing to live in grace, on grace, by grace everyday.[/tweetability]

Do you need some help living in grace too? The scriptures this week will help us. I hope you’ll join me. Grab a pen and paper and jot down the verses or save the photo on your phone, i-pad, or computer. Each day copy the verse in your journal and write your understanding of grace and how it applies to you.

What do you need God’s grace for this week?

Leave a comment or write me at wordsbyandylee@gmail.com. I would love to pray for you too.

 

 

Much love,