Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation).
We often get frustrated because we are trying to live by our own works, when our lives were brought into being and designed by God to be lived by grace. The more we try to figure out what to do to solve our dilemmas, the more confused, upset, and frustrated we will become.
When you get into a frustrating situation, just stop and say, “O Lord, give me grace (Your power and ability).” Then believe that God has heard your prayer and is answering that prayer and working out the situation.
Faith is the channel through which you and I receive the grace of God. If we try to do things on our own, without being open to receiving the grace of God, then no matter how much faith we think we have, we will still not receive what we are asking of God.
We can trust in and rely on the grace of God. He is close to us, He knows what we are facing in every situation of life, and He will work out things for the best if we will trust Him enough to allow Him to do so.
Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me trust Your grace in every situation I find myself in. Help me to stop relying on my own efforts and to only lean on Your power and ability to work things out for me, amen.
