|
God's continuing act of Grace.
Romans 5:1-11
Vs.
3,4,5 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we
know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character;
and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame.
Grace, as we all know, is unmerited or unearned favor.
Grace has nothing to do with the person receiving it and all to do
with the person giving it. In other words, it requires no action from
the one on whom it is bestowed, except to receive it gratefully. As
it is said,"And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if
it were, grace would no longer be grace."(Rom 11:6)
We normally tend to see it as grace, only if it appears
as a blessing at the first sight. I got into the best college, Got a
bonus or a promotion at work, Saved from a horrific accident are
typical examples of grace attributed to God. Even certain gifts and
talents like singing, serving, speaking and the like are rightly
attributed as His grace. But rarely do we see anyone saying that it was
by the grace of God that my car broke down or got a flu or even
taking it to the extreme by saying Thank God for deadly diseases or
wars. Nothing good comes from bloody wars or people dying by way of
deadly diseases. And, rightly so. What is so gracious about causing
suffering?( Or at least that's what we think)
For my thoughts are not
your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the
LORD. (Is 55:8). At the first sight of an obstacle or
suffering, we tend to think that it is because God has taken his
favor away from us. Even though we can never imagine what His
thoughts and intentions for an event will be, I am sure that many
would vouch that they came to know the Lord a whole lot closer in
their downs than their ups. As He reminds us, "My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."(2
Cor 12:9) Hence He is more interested in where our suffering leads us
than the actual act of suffering because any suffering can only last
a lifetime, but the choices we make have an impact throughout
eternity. And, God is definitely more interested in our eternity.
PRAYER
God
grant us the grace and understanding to know that you want what is
ultimately good for us. And to follow you as you guide us.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Next
time you hit a roadblock, Look up to God , it could be grace in
disguise.
Noel John George, Long Island MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of
the Mar Thoma Church
|
