When my children have uttered this phrase, my typical response is, "Who lied to you and told you that life would be fair?"
As I began reading through Andy Stanley's book "The Grace of God", this phrase has completely turned with new perspective. I find myself increasingly grateful and awed that life, in fact, is not fair.
"Grace is the offer of exactly what we do not deserve. It (grace) cannot be recognized or received until we are aware of precisely how undeserving we really are." ~~ Andy Stanley
When I consider the choices I make, the thoughts I think, the things I do... and then put those in contrast to the life I live, the blessings I receive, the state and peace of my heart... it does not look right.
If I am completely honest with myself, I have to admit that...it is not fair.
It quickly becomes apparent that I have not received what I truly deserve. Death. Instead, I have been given exactly what I do not deserve. Grace.
"God chose to wade in hip deep and clean up the mess sin had created." ~~ Andy Stanley
I continue to find fairness thrown out the window. Instead of leaving me to suffer the mess and destruction that I have created, He again extends an unexplainable offer... Himself... in a personal relationship with me. Despite my mess. In my mess.
"He (God) initiated a relationship. He asked an undeserving man (Abraham) to trust him. And when that man did, God gave him what he needed most and deserved the least- friendship with God.... In making that offer, God offered hope to the human race." ~~ Andy Stanley
Grace extends the exact opposite of what I deserve. Not because of anything I've done. All because of Him.
"Grace is not reserved for good people; grace underscores the goodness of God... He made a choice to make us his own by grace." ~~Andy Stanley
Grace is not fair.
I am Undeserving. Thankful. Humbled. Blessed.
"Grace is the vehicle God uses on occasion to ensure that we get precisely what we don't deserve." ~~ Andy Stanley
Grace.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. In a world that tells us repeatedly how we deserve only the best, it is necessary and humbling to be reminded that we strayed from God and are in dire need of goodness from Him which we don't deserve. Again... Thank you!
ReplyDeleteA great perspective about grace, Donnetta. How often have we deserved to fall flat on our faces for our failures.
ReplyDeleteIt gives a whole new meaning to "It's not fair." Love your thoughts here Donnetta!
ReplyDeleteGrace is really all about Him - the weight of it all rests upon Him. We are invited to swim in that! So blessed indeed!
Thanks for linking up today!
Every time we stumble, we are always caught in His grace. God is awesome, indeed!
ReplyDeleteThanks for another beautiful moment of ministry and your supportive visit, Donnetta! I silently yet happily resonated with your youth work weekend, knowing that the reflections of such priceless duty (with fresh pics, might I add) truly aren't "about me". You deserved the gentle re-entry after such a whirlwind! :) I also know that the Heavenly Father, who governs and graces us all more than we could ever earn or discern, will always refresh us to do what's right for His glory!
ReplyDeletep.s. Thank you for introducing me (us?) to Grace Notes!