Rooted in Grace

I wrote this piece back in November as I was preparing to preach one Sunday. At the end of the sermon, a few people asked me for copies. Straight out of my journal, this expresses things I've thought at times and comments other Christians regularly make to me. It also reflects my personal lessons in learning to live rooted in the grace Jesus bought for me, rather than merely knowing it intellectually. 

How do we know if our knowledge of grace is mere intellectual assent, or if we've learnt to live rooted in grace, firmly established in it, in our day-to-day life? Here's some thoughts...


IF YOU EVER...

Feel as though God has moved - 

as though you're not as close to Him as you used to be - 

You're not yet rooted in Grace.

Feel as though God will be prouder of you, or bless you more

When you've finally conquered those weaknesses that haunt you,

You're not yet rooted in Grace.

Feel as though you need someone else praying for your situation 

Because their prayers work better than yours

(because they're a stronger, better Christian than you)

You're not yet rooted in Grace

Feel the weight and shame of failure, Or feel frustrated 

That you're still struggling with the same weaknesses or sin,

You're not yet rooted in Grace.

Feel inadequate or question God's love for you,

His delight in you,

You're not yet rooted in Grace.

Feel unworthy to pray, or ask for something - anything - good from God,

You're not yet rooted in Grace.

Feel glad that you've never "blown it" as bad as the person next to you

(like "that tax collector over there")

You're not yet rooted in Grace.

Feel like you need to try harder to be a better person,

Like you need to fix the mess you're in, in order for God to love you more,

You're not yet rooted in Grace.

If you're tired; heavy; restless; harried; 

anxious; ashamed; worried; or afraid;

You're not yet rooted in Grace.

Because...

Grace obliterates your sin;

Grace supplies your every lack;

Grace restores;

Grace transforms (not you!)

Grace heals, provides, delivers

Grace frees, and

Grace humbles self.