Stand in His Grace

This is the true grace of God. Take your stand in it! (I PETER 5:12 HCSB)

If anyone understood the death one feels when separated from God, it was Peter. He denied knowing Jesus not once but three times, and as a rooster crowed, Peter recalled Jesus’ words to him earlier, “’Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times…’ And [Peter] went outside and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75). I can understand the depth of despair he felt, because, while I haven’t denied knowing Jesus, I have denied Him personally through rebellious acts. It’s a dark, frightening, and humiliating state to be in.

The most difficult part to comprehend is that Jesus remained in Peter’s life. He didn’t say “I’m through with you, Peter!” and then walk away. Jesus not only remained, He approached Peter, not in anger or condemnation, but in forgiveness and grace to cover his actions. I’m grateful to say that Jesus has done the same for me – and He will do the same for you if you let Him. I believe that, until one has really considered the amount of love required to take on our transgressions and transform them into forgiveness and healing, grace is only a word on a page. If not for heartfelt examination of the love Christ has for us, grace is diluted to five letters and remains elusive from our grasp.

Fear of retribution and punishment keeps us from looking at and confessing our indiscretions, but Jesus responds just the opposite when we do – He holds His arms wide and calls us by name. He waits to embrace us with such love, we’re able to stand in His presence – not ashamed, but redeemed. His grace and His love cover a multitude of sins (I Peter 4:8) for a multitude of people – that means you and me and everyone. He won’t turn anyone away.

Will you take your stand in His grace today? Will you receive the love that is yours that He is waiting to give? No matter what you’ve done and no matter how long ago you did it, His forgiveness is enough to wipe your slate clean.  His grace is enough to keep you on your feet and lead you toward your holy purpose. That is the true grace of God.

Father,

I can’t imagine where I’d be without Your grace. It holds me together and keeps me going each and every day. I’m so grateful You came to save the world and not condemn it. Because of You, I am whole and walk worthy of the calling You have for me.

In Your blessed name. Amen.

This is an excerpt from God’s Truth for Troubled Times by Lisa Stilwell - a devotional book now available from DaySpring publishing. Learn more about this book, or shop other books & devotionals from DaySpring.