Expect Good, Expect God

There is a song called Grace by Michael W. Smith and a portion of the lyrics reads:

“It's grace, your grace. 

I'm nothing without you. 

Your grace, your grace.  

Shines on me.”

This song speaks about God’s grace working in action in the lives of people. We acknowledge that the human condition at times is filled with frailties. There are times we wish to do good but instead succumb to our evil desires. We are filled with emotions that ebb and flow like the waves of the sea. One moment we are ok but then at another moment we are not. The changes of life follow the patterns of the world such as spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Life is never constant it is always changing.  Yet there is one unchangeable thing, and this is the love of God towards us. He remains in pursuit of us, desiring that we draw near to Him.

Despite our mess, God can take our faults and turn them into a harmonious rhapsody of His good message. David in the Psalms was a recipient of God's grace over and over and over. This is despite him committing adultery and arranging the murder of his fellow soldier. He failed as a father and was the very cause of Israel being afflicted by a plague that killed thousands when he undertook a census against God's approval. Throughout all this, God said David was a man after His own heart because of David’s repentant heart.  David did not escape any of God’s punishment for his sins.  However, God’s grace in David’s life enabled him to reign as king, spared his monarchy from being overthrown, and escaped enemy traps. God gave him the gift of a son called  Solomon who is said to have been the wisest man to have lived even to this day. Humanity in the mind of God is revealed in the stories about our lives. This story first began when God called Adonai, Elohim, and Yahweh created humanity.  Abba Father envisioned us, thought of us, and created us despite knowing our frailties. The created environment was made to foster and sustain the life of mankind.  We were made in awe to become in awe of the One who excellently made us.

The fate of our destinies is not aligned with the failures of our past and present mistakes.  Revelation 5 reveals a song emanating from the throne room of heaven where the angels and elders were offering songs of praise and adoration to the kingship and authority of Jesus Christ. Verse 9 records:

“Though art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof;

for thou was slain, and has redeemed us to God by the blood out of every kindred,

and people, and nation”.

The opened books for humanity reveal that we would overcome in Jesus Christ,  death, poverty,  sickness, famine,  wars, and any other broken human condition no matter our race, nationality, or tribe.

Our frailties are perfectly recorded and captured throughout history. We are reminded of them throughout the scriptures, documentaries, history books, oral stories, and by the ordinary person lamenting what could have been in their commentary on life.  Each year there are memorials conducted in honor of victims whose lives were cut short due to tragedies. We are reminded of the previous wars and the consequences of our choices which have not brought peace.  King David made quite a few mistakes in which the outcomes were disastrous. We have an agitator called satan and his primary purpose is to see us fail, be discouraged, quit, be despondent, and live reckless lives.  The Apostle Paul in 2nd Corinthians 4 acknowledges this to be so when he confessed that he was troubled, persecuted, and tortured for carrying out the work of ministry.  Had it not been for faith and the willingness to overcome;  the Apostle Paul may not have continued in the work of ministry in spreading the Gospel.

Equally, there have been some very important moments in our lives noting victories, achievements, success, and promotions, and we usually celebrate them in whatever way we can. God’s sovereign plan for our destinies includes grace which He freely gives. This grace that God offers is not based on our works, talents, abilities, failures, or successes.  2nd Corinthians 12: 9 records God’s conversation with the Apostle Paul who had wanted God to remove a thorn from his flesh. God’s answer was:

“ My grace is sufficient for you,

for My power is made perfect in weakness”.

Grace is defined as undeserved favour. Grace cannot be earned; it is something that is freely given and it is something that is received through the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. We qualify for grace when we mess up. Romans 5:20 says “ But where sin increased, grace increased all the more". God’s grace is always available, and He never withholds it. We may find it difficult to forgive ourselves when we mess up. Also, we may find it difficult to forgive others when they trespass against us. However, we are reminded that regardless of any situation, God does not withhold his love, care, and compassion towards us. Whatever the situation you are going through, be reminded that you are to expect good and to expect God.