Today, I want to talk briefly about the grace of God. "Grace" (the
Greek word "charis") means a number of things. Most think it simply
means "unmerited favor". Did you also know that "grace" means "divine
ability"? Think about that as you read the verse I'm reflecting on
today.

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16,
NKJV

Look at how the Amplified Bible puts it: "Let us then fearlessly and
confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of
God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for
our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need
[appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]."

How often do we walk around like an ashamed dog when we've done
something wrong, with our tails between our legs! How often do we get
discouraged during hard times, thinking God doesn't care about us or
want to help with our struggles? What we should be doing is running to
the throne of grace!

Let's look at the verses preceding this one:

"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our
weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet
without sin." v. 15, NASB

Verse 15 is not meant to speak condemnation. It's definitely not meant
to make us think, "Well, Jesus didn't sin, so I sure am lousy." It's
meant to make us think, "Wow. Jesus has been tempted in every way I
have. He understands how hard it is to live life on this earth." Then
how does the writer of Hebrews tell us we should respond to this
knowledge?

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16,
NKJV

By boldly, fearlessly, and confidently approaching God and asking for
both His unmerited favor (forgiveness) of our sin, as well as His
divine ability to overcome and get through hard times. Remember, all
of our sins were taken care of by Jesus' death on the cross. Not only
our sin - but our shame as well. We don't have to be ashamed! God
knew ahead of time all the things we'd do wrong, as well as all the
things we'd need help with ("Before they call I will answer; while they
are still speaking I will hear." Isaiah 65:24).

Think of the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18. Verse 1 says,
"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should
always pray and not give up." NIV The widow kept bothering the unjust
judge until he gave her what she wanted. "Then the Lord said, 'Learn a
lesson from this evil judge. 7Even he rendered a just decision in the
end, so don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen
people who plead with him day and night? Will he keep putting them
off?' " v. 6-7 We don't need to be ashamed to keep asking. We're not
annoying God. We are His creations and we are His children. He loves
us and wants to take care of us.

So today, I challenge you to go boldly to God with your every need.
Boldly ask Him for forgiveness and for help to not give in to
temptation next time around. Fearlessly ask Him to help you in your
times of difficulty, and confidently ask Him to show you His will for
your life. He wants to do all those things for you.

=====
"The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."
Psalm 34:10

www.brennakate.com
www.livejournal.com/~brennakate



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