Good morning! It’s Thursday, November 14, 2024. God’s grace and favor are upon us, so we must work hard to steward that grace! For many years, I paddled competitively in the open ocean, and our steersman would search for swells generated by the wind. When he’d spot one approaching from behind, the rear of the canoe would lift slightly, and he’d shout, “Now! Paddle hard!”
Even though we were on the swell, we could only take advantage of it if we paddled to reach the front side. Grace is like that. When God grants us favor, we must work hard to stay on its leading edge until it carries us into a season of revival! Read on …
Today's Reading:
Psalms 149; 1 Corinthians 15,16
Scripture
“By the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Observation
The apostle Paul took nothing for granted. Although God granted him abundant grace to cover his past actions, Paul never rested on his laurels. In fact, this grace motivated him more than ever. Paul understood that he needed to take advantage of God’s grace, which could transform him and propel him into his calling and destiny.
Application
God’s grace gave me a second chance, and it must not be in vain. I have seen many whose lives were rescued from the enemy’s grip, but as the years passed, their hearts grew passive again.
Oh, the grace of God—so precious and abundant, so available and free. But if we take it for granted, His gift may indeed prove to have been in vain. May it never be so. Paul said this grace motivated him to labor for the sake of the Gospel—not less, but more! Salvation itself may be through the work of grace, but bearing fruit requires unashamed, intentional labor.
Here is the question: “Does God’s mercy and grace make you more complacent... or more zealous?”
Prayer
May the grace You purchased for us never prove to be in vain. I will press forward with intentionality toward what You’ve called me to do, remaining faithful to put my hand to the plow in this season of my life.
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