For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)
Grace. My middle name is Grace. Our daughter Kallie’s middle name is Grace. We were both born on Tuesday. There is an old poem that says, “Tuesday’s child is full of grace.” I often thought that was why my parents signed me up for ballet lessons as a child, so that I would learn to be full of grace. Instead of doing clumsy tricks, like jumping off the coffee table and breaking my ankle!
But then I grew up and found out what grace is all about. Grace is when God gives me something I don’t deserve, like forgiveness and eternal life with Him in heaven. Mercy is when God doesn’t give me what I do deserve, like punishment in hell and a life without Him. When explaining this to kids I say, grace is when your mom gives you a cookie even though you were bad. Mercy is when your dad doesn’t give you a spanking, even though you were naughty. I am so thankful for God’s grace and mercy.
Yesterday at church we sang the song “Grace Alone.” At that moment I was praying for our daughter Kallie Grace who was flying somewhere over the Pacific Ocean to Guam. I knew God’s Grace was just what I needed… His grace to hear and answer my prayers, His grace to comfort me if His plan didn’t fit my prayers, His grace to hold me close today and always.
These are the words we sang…
Every promise we can make
Every prayer and step of faith
Every difference we can make
Is only by His grace.
Every mountain we will climb
Every ray of hope we shine
Every blessing left behind
Is only by His grace
Grace alone Which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.
Every soul we long to reach
Every heart we hope to teach
Everywhere we share His peace
Is only by His grace.
Every loving word we say
Every tear we wipe away
Every sorrow turned to praise
Is only by His grace.
Grace alone Which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.
©1998 Maranatha! Music.
Words and Music by Scott Wesley Brown, Jeff Nelson
And Kallie made it safely to Guam. Thank you, Jesus.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6lhilgWXIE&feature=related