November 27, 2017
“What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us.” Romans 8:31 Christian Standard
How often do you start the day inhaling God’s grace: God is for me? Those four words are not just a wishful thought .. positive thinking .. or a pleading prayer. They are grounded upon a cross that declares how far God went to show you how much you are loved and what you are worth. That would have been enough, but it is just a beginning. Jesus knows what every man and woman doesn’t know about themselves. That no amount of self effort or ‘good luck’ can clean out the darkest lies or deception in your heart. It took a death so great to break even chain in every life that believes and trusts in the crucified risen truth of four words: God is for me. Behind those words is a promise that he would never leave or forsake you. God is working his will in and through your life. That doesn’t mean every path will be smooth or unchallenged. It doesn’t make your life immune from disease or heartache. There are victories and defeats. There are aspirations toward success and those that experience failure. None of any or all of those sin-encrusted elements can remove all of what Christ has become for you. The truth of your life in Christ guarantees you as being faultless .. blameless .. unblemished .. spotless .. righteous .. redeemed .. and standing in his presence with great joy. Until then, this same God has not left you to figure out how to make life work on your own. It takes a changed heart to recognize and rest in God’s promise to work all things for his good .. and subsequently your good. God is good and He intends good for you. You’ll quickly find that this world relentlessly seeks to indict God as being indifferent .. impotent .. and uncaring against evil and tragedy. That’s why you constantly have to see the day before you through the lens of this cross. It’s only way you’ll see clearly. And even better is this, Jesus now risen, actually intercedes (praying perfectly) on your behalf. He knows you by name. 4 Words … it only takes a moment.
“For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13 Christian Standard
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to The For You Fellowship following Jesus.
