Increasing Grace!

“But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.”  Romans 5:20b NLT

Recently I heard “God’s grace abounds more”, and knew that the Holy Spirit had something to teach me.  It had occurred to me, as it may have to you, that perhaps part of the reason for this pandemic is a result of our own great sin.  After all, we have been killing our babies, making a mess of our environment and abandoning the Church in ever increasing numbers.  God surely has enough reason to punish us.

But, the Bible is clear, Jesus has already taken our punishment on the Cross.  Don’t misunderstand, please.  We will face the natural consequences of our actions, both good and bad.  However, in reading Romans chapter 8, it’s undeniable that God loves us and that now in Christ Jesus there is no condemnation for those who belong to him. (8:1) The book of Romans reaches its crescendo in chapter 8 as it soars into the proclamation in verses 31-39 that absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love, his undeserved, victorious grace.  He desires to save us and be with us for eternity, and nothing can stop that.  God is always on our side.

In verse 38 we read, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”  Does that make you feel better?  It does me! 

Where there is sin, the Bible tells us, God’s grace is more powerful.  It wins every time!  God is always faithful to us.  And he gives us every reason, in Jesus Christ, to be faithful to him.  In fact, 2 Peter 1:3 makes it clear that he even gives us the power and tools to remain faithful to the end.  “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.”

So, as terrible and incomprehensible as this crisis may be, and as helpless as you may now feel, believe God’s Word and trust in the Lord’s ever-increasing grace at work for you to conquer every challenge.  Romans 8:18 tells us, “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”  Let’s choose to rest in the comfort and protection of God’s overcoming love.

Dear friend, be blessed as you rest in Jesus’ arms and release all the fear of punishment or pain.  Father God chose you before you were born to be his beloved child.  Trust that he will protect and comfort you daily as you surrender everything to him.  Amen.
Mary Sumner ~ April 28, 2020