God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. – Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
I’m sure that like me, you have felt overwhelmed by shame and guilt at some point in your life. Maybe you have asked, “How could God forgive me for the terrible things I’ve done?” You may feel as though you don’t deserve His grace, and even wonder how you could possibly live up to such a great gift. The truth is, you can’t live up to it no matter how hard you try. Grace is God’s blessing upon those who haven’t earned it and don’t deserve it. That’s the beauty of grace! We deserve punishment, but God has mercy on us and gives us the blessing of having eternal life with Him.
The song “I See Grace” by Micah Tyler beautifully captures the essence of this truth. The lyrics speak of a love that cannot be earned, a mercy that cannot be measured, and a grace that is freely given. It speaks of a God who sees us, broken and imperfect as we are, and yet chooses to love us anyway.
As you journey in your faith, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. You are part of a community of believers who have all experienced the same grace that you have. And as you walk with God, you will begin to see more and more grace in your life.
“I see grace, falling like a flood, washing over me, rushing through my blood.”
Just as a flood washes away everything in its path, grace washes away our sins and our past mistakes. It’s God’s cleansing and purifying power that can transform us from the inside out.
“When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, 5 He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ, our Savior. 7 Because of His grace, He made us right in His sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 NLT
“I see hope, rising like a fire, burning bright in me, calling me up higher.”
God’s hope keeps us going, even when things are tough. And just as grace is freely given, so too is hope. We don’t have to earn it or deserve it. We simply have to accept it. And as you go forward in your faith, remember God’s grace is not just a one-time event. It’s an ongoing sustenance. You and I will never deserve it, but we can always receive it. And as we do, we will see hope rising within us, burning brighter and brighter, calling us up to something greater.
Dig Deeper
1. Read Ephesians 2:10. As you listen to this song, take a moment to reflect on the grace that God has given you. Think about the ways in which He has transformed your life, and the ways in which He continues to do so. Remember that you are loved, and that you are never alone.
2. Our confidence is not in our ability but in the work of God. Romans 5:8 speaks to our condition and the work of God on our behalf. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to be bold in approaching God. How does this directly affect your prayer life?
