Grace Is Free
This is a topic that I have found cannot be discussed enough—“Obedience through faith, not self-efforts.”
It seems that we have universally grown accustomed to feeling some control over our position before God. As if we must prove ourselves worthy in order to be given His free gift to cover our wrongs.
Sometimes we live in a state of self-condemnation, beating ourselves into submission in order to honor God with our lives. We think we have to pay Him back.
But God’s free gift of grace is just that… free.
Our Best Isn’t Enough-And That’s Grace
God even says that our righteousness (the best we have to offer), is like dirty rags.
God doesn’t say this to condemn us & mock our efforts, but rather to say that His gift cannot be earned, but is just GIVEN, free of charge, if only we believe on Him for that gift.
Our best still isn’t enough & yet God covers the gaps for us.
And yet we still strive to earn or to deserve His grace.
Doing Nothing Is Not the Cure
This isn’t to say that the opposite of the pendulum swing is true either, that because we cannot earn it, we shouldn’t strive to honor God with our lives.
BUT, it is not because we put pressure on ourselves to deserve His free gift & it is not through our own self-efforts, either.
Knowing We Weren’t Enough-God Makes a Way
In discussing this topic with a friend, this comparison came to mind:
God gave us the law (the 10 Commandments), knowing that we could never fulfill the law on our own & knowing that we would have to come to Jesus to be the propitiation for our wrongs to right our relationship with Himself.
In the same way, God gives us commands on how we ought to live this life, knowing that we do not have the capacity to live that way from our own efforts, knowing that He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us & empower us to live the way He has called us to live.
The Balance
Also, just because we could never perfectly fulfill the law or God’s commandments on how to live, doesn’t mean we should avoid living God’s way & instead do whatever we want.
But we should also not tire ourselves trying to be perfect when we are not.
So, it sounds like I have told you to both NOT avoid doing what is right while also NOT tiring yourself to do what is right.
I know this might sound like a contradiction, but it is actually the perfect formula for faith & for a life lived through a relationship with God through a life of faith AKA abiding in Christ (versus just following His example).
Lean Into Him to Do All He Asks of Us
You see, although we are incapable of living the way God has asked us to, & although this does not excuse our wrongdoings, we should instead lean into God for what we are called to do in our incapacity to do it.
Here is an example of something I say to God in my prayers:
“God, I feel so [distracted, lazy, busy, rebellious, tired, stubborn, worn out, incapable, discouraged, impatient, proud/arrogant, etc.], but I know this honors You, so please give me the [strength, wisdom, clarity, available time, power, ability, encouragement, inspiration, discipline, humility, patience, etc.] that I don’t feel I can muster on my own to accomplish this that honors You. You are all that I need in my limitations. I am not enough, but You are GOD. Thank You that I can be still & know that through my limitations, You ARE GOD.”
Because really, that’s what it all comes down to.
We Are So Limited, But He Isn’t!
I am limited. There is so much that God asks of me that I just don’t have the capacity to do on my own…
Like:
- Loving my enemies
- Knowing what to say to someone whose world is crashing around them
- Taking time for a quiet time with God when my world is chaos
- Accomplishing a big task that seems out of my abilities
- Knowing how to respect someone who is rude or mean
- Responding rightly in a high stress situation
- ETC.! (The list of my shortcomings & weaknesses, if I put a decent amount of time & effort into writing it, would be quite long, if I am honest!)
SO MANY things are beyond my human limitations & I can exhaust myself REALLY QUICKLY in trying to live up to all of it all the time, in my own strength or wisdom or power to make it all happen. And then , I will STILL fall short of it 100% of the time!
God Fills in the Gaps
But yet, God still asks them of me, knowing my limitations better than I know them myself.
And so, the beautiful solution to this gap is HIM. Letting God lead us across those gaps, between His commands on how to live & our human limitations, through/by/with HIS power, love, patience, hope, strength, joy, wisdom, etc.
HIS. Not ours.
Don’t Just Follow Christ-Abide in Him
So, if you feel like you’re barely holding your Christian life together, you’re doing it wrong.
Sorry, not sorry.
Stop trying to be Super Christian & instead, lean into our AWESOME, UNLIMITED, SUPREME, LOVING GOD.
Just stop.
And pray.
And let God move you where you can’t move yourself.
Take some pressure off yourself, because you were never meant to do it in your own strength anyways.
Shine hope, Lovely—Through FAITH, Not Self-Efforts.
Coming Next Week
Make sure to tune in every Monday morning EST for some more encouragement!
A Note from Michelle:
If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3
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Weekly Special Spotlight:
Each week, I will feature an item that is changing lives. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!
Eternity Necklace
Multiple mixed metal chains are hugged by a metal curved tube to create this simple yet elegant piece with a lobster clasp closure.
Artisan Information:
The poverty cycle in India continues primarily because of the lack of education. Most schools are not free or affordable. Therefore, many children never learn to read or write & grow up with limited opportunities. However, every purchase of this product empowers women to provide for their children & send them to school! You have the opportunity to end poverty & create an impact for generations to come!
Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!
(*Also shown: Western Stud Trio (silver pair), also empowering women out of poverty, in India!)
Shop Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!
