PROGRAM W-1765
Grace is the most important concept in the Bible. I’m not sure we’ll ever fully understand it this side of heaven, and we’ll probably spend an eternity mining the depths of its meaning. One writer said, “Grace is the love of God shown to the unlovely; the peace of God given to the restless; the unmerited favor of God.” Grace is getting what you don’t deserve and not getting what you do deserve. Honestly, you could talk endlessly about what grace is, and still find that words are inadequate.
We live in a sin-filled world, our own hearts are inclined to sin, there’s much brokenness and suffering, and our worlds are full of judgment and condemnation. That’s why we want and need grace. Judgment kills. Only grace makes alive.
Grace restores you and transforms you—in fact when you begin to look at all the Bible says about God’s grace, you recognize that everything in our lives as believers is dependent on the grace that comes to us through Jesus Christ.
Here are just a very few examples of what we as believers receive by God’s grace:
- We receive our true identity: “By the grace of God I am what I am” (I Corinthians 15:10). This was Paul’s testimony to the church in Corinth.
- We receive our calling: “God. . .called us to a holy calling. . .because of his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9, ESV).
- We receive our power: “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV).
- We can approach God’s throne at any time, where we will receive grace to help in our times of need. This is what we learn from Hebrews 4:16.
Without grace, we are truly destitute, aren’t we? We need God’s grace like we need the air we breathe. The Bible says we are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Are you growing in grace, and what does that mean? It’s so vital to our walk with God, but I wonder how often in our everyday lives we consciously walk in grace, grow in grace, and live in grace.
In Titus 2:11-12, we read that “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. . .” (ESV). Grace has been given to true believers so that we can live in such a way that our lives bring glory to God. I think it’s very interesting that Paul says we are trained by grace. That’s a rather new thought for me. How about you? Grace—God’s grace—trains us to live godly lives. So, the more we know about grace and live a grace-filled life, the more we are going to bring honor and glory to Jesus.
Have you ever asked yourself if you can see any signs that you are growing in grace? Seems to me that there would be some clear evidence in our lives if we are growing in grace, don’t you think? How can you tell if you’re growing in grace? Consider some of these indications:
- You are growing in your ability and desire to extend grace to others. This means you respond with kindness and gentleness, even when others hurt you.
- You are more willing to give others another chance, to let them off your hook, to cover over their failures and refuse to condemn them.
- You intentionally resist any root of anger or bitterness that starts to grow in your heart.
- Your patience and understanding are greater, and you are less argumentative.
- You react to trials and troubles with faith and mercy. In fact, your trials have taught you to be more patient and kind.
These are just some indications that you are growing in grace. As I look at these, I recognize some key areas in my own life that are not grace-filled—where I’m not the grace-full person I should be, areas where I need to grow in grace. Once you begin to know what it means to grow in grace, identify areas where you need to grow, and start to pray that into your life—then you will be able to identify grace growth in your life. You will see that God’s grace is training you to be more like Jesus.
In his book, What’s So Amazing about Grace?, Philip Yancey tells the story of a woman in Canada who felt God calling her to minister to the telemarketers who would call her house soliciting products or services. Instead of getting frustrated with these people who were simply doing their job, she decided to ask if there was a way she could pray for them. This woman told stories of people who would just open up and then break down in tears on the phone. That woman is extending grace to others instead of being irritated because they have interrupted her life. I have to admit, that convicts me and challenges me to be more grace-full to those telemarketers!
Extending grace to others should be a trademark of those of us who are Christ-followers. John wrote of Jesus Christ, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:16-17, ESV). What does it mean to you that, as a Christ-follower, you have received grace upon grace? How often do you think about and rejoice in this incredible truth?
In James 4:6 we read that God gives grace to the humble. Part of our training in grace and by grace is to become a more humble person. I think many times we have the wrong idea of what it means to be humble. It doesn’t mean wimpy, self-bashing, or sad and dreary. It simply means that we understand who we are in comparison to who God is and, the more we understand that, the less likely we’ll be to be proud. We have this wonderful promise that God gives grace upon grace—more grace to us as we are truly humble.
I remember when God began to teach me what it means to be humble. I read in 1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” I thought about that: What does it mean to humble myself? How do I do that? It certainly doesn’t come naturally for me—in fact, I am completely incapable of being humble in my own strength. So, I simply asked God to make it clear to me what I could do to humble myself.
Well, he did—and does—train me to humble myself by, for instance, not talking about myself so much; to be willing to give someone else credit; to show interest in what others have to say, and what’s going on in their lives; to remember that I don’t always have to say what I think, nor do I have to always have the last word. Those were some of the ways to humble myself which God showed me through His Word and the Holy Spirit. As I learn to do that more and more, he gives me more grace to continue, more grace to share with others, and more grace to live a life pleasing to him.
Honestly, there’s so much in the Bible about God’s grace—the more you can grow in that grace, the more you will want to, as you see how God changes you by his grace. That’s why I have chosen the theme, Transforming Grace, for this year’s 31st Annual Weekend Getaway, March 29-31. We’re devoting the entire weekend to helping us experience and understand grace in a deeper way. My friend, Dámaris Carbaugh—one of our favorite singers and speakers—is going to talk about “Grace That Transforms Everything.” She will show from Romans 12 how the power of God’s grace can give you victory and joy—even in the midst of life’s troubles and hard times. And of course, she will be singing grace for us throughout the weekend. I’m delighted that she is with us again for our 31st Weekend Getaway.
Sharon Brown is going to talk about being a good steward of God’s grace. Sharon is the author of the Sensible Shoes series of books—which I just love. Her workshop on “Passing On the Grace We Have Received” will be a highlight of the weekend, I’m sure. This is Sharon’s first time with us and, having read her Sensible Shoes books, I know she is going to be a blessing.
Rhonda O’Brien will lead a workshop on “The Face of Grace.” Knowing Rhonda as I do, I can promise you this will give you a totally new perspective of what God’s grace is, and she will challenge you to be the face of grace in your world—to show your world what God’s grace is by the way you live. Rhonda’s unique teaching style is winsome, biblical, funny and practical.
Lisa Bishop is going to lead a workshop on unleashing grace in your life. Lisa is director of women’s ministry at a church here in Chicago, and I’ve come to know and really appreciate her passion for helping women live the abundant life Jesus came to give us. She is real and relatable, and you’ll be blessed by her workshop.
Finally, I plan to share the truth that as believers, we have an open invitation to approach God’s throne at any time where we will find grace to help us in our times of need. I will use a dramatic presentation of going into God’s throne room and, hopefully, it will give you a new appreciation of the grace that is available to you—right straight from God—as you approach his throne.
Now this is just a little glimpse into this weekend getaway. We will also have wonderful praise and worship music—and you’ll even have an opportunity to sing in a Gospel choir if you want to. This is a weekend designed to help you let go of your everyday schedule and responsibilities, and give God three days to refresh you, encourage you, and speak into your heart. I see it happen every year: women leave with a new attitude, a new joy, a new peace, and a new hope. This year, I promise you will leave with a new understanding of God’s grace and how you can grow in that grace every day.
Maybe you’re thinking, “I just don’t do retreats.” I understand that feeling—you don’t have time to waste. But I can promise you that God shows up at these getaways and does a work in our hearts. Here’s what one woman said after last year’s getaway: “God always has a special message for me when I attend these retreats.” Another woman wrote this on her evaluation: “Powerful. Professional. Packed with God’s wisdom, honesty and grace.” Another wrote, “Great spiritual formation/discipleship, strong bible-based teaching and beautiful worship.” This is our goal again for this year. This is a taste of what God can do in your heart—if you’ll show up March 29-31, here in the Chicago area. I believe he has a special message for you!