Embrace Grace

And I thought I could just look up the definition of "grace," and know all I needed to know about it. Uh, no. There are times when we cry out to God for grace and we get it ... just not the grace we expect. In short-order, we want the grace of relief from circumstances, struggles, pain, relationships and such. I conclude I live with the mistaken idea that God intends I be released from what troubles me! Paul wrote, "But He [God] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My Power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the Power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9). Whatever "suffering" we may be asking respite from may be the very "grace" God is using to grow us spiritually; therefore, we must not pray for interruptions to His divine work in us. More than anything, God wants us transformed by His grace - and, yes, according to His plan and purpose and not my own. It's true, God's Grace is not always comfortable, but it's always working us to perfection. Embrace His grace!