It is as if I can hear so clearly from God, so I am writing the words furiously on a piece of paper wondering who they are for. Hillsong is playing in the background and my team is huddled together in a hotel room in Vietnam trying to hear from God. It is the end of the day and our team leader introduced a new, creative option for Feedback Time.’
Basic gist:
- Number small pieces of paper #1-7
- You have 5 minutes per paper to pray for a word/vision for the Lord (sounds scary, it’s not)
- After 7 rounds, ever team member draws a number and gets that numbered paper from everyone in the group. (eg. Picking #2 means you get everyone’s second paper)
I picked #5.
The number of grace.
I pick up my stack and I read the words,
“Your shame is undone. Walk in that forgiveness, in that truth every. Single. Day. Accept Your Father’s grace and mercy.”
I switch to another paper and read,
“The Lord wants to take those bones and put flesh on them. He wants to make you come alive in ways you never have.”
Then, I get to the longest one.
“You can’t earn my love. You have it.
You cannot find security in this world.
You cannot find true, soul-satisfying love outside of Me.
I am jealous not just for you, but also for your family.
I love to protect you and plan your life; just let me do it.
I love you with an everlasting love. You are wanted and redeemed.
I feel the words piercing through years of lies and I continue reading.
…Do not act as a bastard child; you are mine and I have given you my name and my heart.
Walk in the authority of the Spirit and do not question that there is a calling on your life.
Your sins are forgiven; don’t live enslaved to them. Rather scare yourself by being bold and scandalous with the message of grace proclaiming it often and with great conviction knowing that the God of the Bible is with you always and forever.
And never stop thanking Him. Do not ever forget how great His love is. Do not let yourself minimize the cross. “
The words that I heard so clearly from God, the words that I wrote furiously on a piece of paper twenty minutes ago for some other team member were for me.
Friends, I cannot define God’s grace, but it is wrecking my life
I know that some say that it is the “unmerited favor of the Lord”, but any definition falls embarrassingly short of grace in reality.
By His grace, I’m on the Race, I’m learning and growing in unimaginable ways, and I’m being blown away by the God of the universe.
The grace of God flips cultures, transforms families, and renews minds.
Grace abounds. Grace overtakes. Grace is greater than sin.
Grace takes war villains and makes them a new creation.
Grace takes prostitutes and makes them treasured daughters.
Grace takes strangers and makes them friends.
Grace! Grace! Grace!
Let it overwhelm your soul.
There’s no earning it.
It is freely given.
Embrace it.
