What’s Grace got to do with It?

Tina Turner asked this question about love. We ask it about grace. Grace is what you absolutely must cling to when you are weak in the flesh and struggle with:

Persecution     Overeating      Lust                 Fear                Losing your temper

Sickness         Gossiping        Jealousy          Shame             Speaking without thinking

Regret             Lying               Hate                Worry              Keeping an unforgiving heart

Of course, there are more…doubts, anxiousness, harshness, the list could go on. These are just a tad bit of the struggle. We have weaknesses that keep us from growing up spiritually and experiencing the abundant life of joy and peace in the Spirit.

Have you asked God to take away your weakness in the flesh, but it seems like nothing ever changes? Don’t be discouraged because Paul asked God three times to take away his thorn in the flesh, but Jesus didn't take it away. Instead Jesus answered him:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”

 (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Whatever your struggle or problem, God’s grace is enough for you! It’s a matter of surrendering your self-dependence and becoming completely God-dependent. Grace is the ability to overcome your deficiencies and reflect God’s glory in spite of your imperfections. This isn’t a get-away-with-sin card. Not at all.

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”

 (Romans 6:1-2).

When you gave your life to Christ, the power of sin was broken. You must come to the end of yourself and lay your independence at the foot of the cross. Repent—turn away from your sins so you can be free:

“For sin shall no longer be your master,

because you are not under the law, but under grace”

(Romans 6:14).

He gives His grace to work out His purposes in spite of your weaknesses. There’s so much more for you to do in this life if you would only receive the grace of God to overcome the desires of the flesh.

You were born for more than just barely living saved. There’s a purpose, a plan, and a destiny for you when you tap into God’s grace for strength in the midst of your troubles. When you are weak or burden by temptations, call out:

“God, grant me the grace I need to overcome!”

The New International Version. 2011. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.