Where Does All The Grace Go?
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This post was originally seen on Abby’s blog.
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I was running out the door to check the mail, it’d been one of “those” days that make you question your sanity. Two minutes of peace – the mailbox and back – and it hit me, “Where does all the grace go?” We pray for grace, but where does it go exactly? Like when you lose weight, where does all the fat go? Have you ever thought about that one? Eh?
My 120 seconds of alone time put the thought in motion. “Where does all the grace go? Why do I keep praying for more if it’s been given to me?”
And it hit me –
God’s grace is given to me, to be accepted first, by me, and then absorbed by those around me.
According to airline procedure, I should put on my oxygen mask first before assisting others. The grace of Christ must first be completely internalized so that it can overflow into the lives of others.
Are you accepting the freedom of grace in your life? Are putting pressure on yourself to perform and reach a manmade standard? Who are you trying to impress? Who’s set of rules are you following? Are you trying to appear put together when in fact, you need an abundance of help because you’re sinking? Where are you getting your sense of fulfillment?
Stop and consider your answers.
Christ and Christ alone should be our aim. He has chosen you. He will equip you. Don’t compare yourself to the other moms. Don’t look at the Pinterest perfect people. You are living a life customized to the calling of God. Are you following Jesus and His principles? Then His is the only voice that should be allowed in your head.
I highly recommend the book by Jeff VanVonderen, Families Where Grace is in Place. It was a game-changer for me. Breaking the bonds of shame and manipulation and walking in true Spirit-guided grace.
This beautiful old hymn speaks so much truth. God’s faithfulness will never end. Each day, we can receive His grace. He is there to cheer and to guide us, to give strength in the moment.
“Great is Thy faithfulness
O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not
Thy compassions they fail not
As Thou hast been
Thou forever will be
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
And all I have needed
Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulnessLord unto me
Pardon for sin
And a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer
And to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
And all I have needed
Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulnessLord unto me”
Usually it’s a growing, learning child who needs Momma to give them a hug and gently walk them through their emotions. But there are numerous others who need to drink in God’s grace through me – my husband, the nosy neighbor, my extended family, the checkout lady at Target, that other mom at soccer practice.
Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to extend love and grace to everyone, but that’s because technically “it’s not our job.” It’s the Holy Spirit’s. We are to open our hands, asking Him to fill them. Then use those hands to share the gift.
I get it, it’s not easy. We blow it – yelling at the kids, snarky comments snapped at our guy – life has a way of pushing us to the max. It kinda builds and then…dump. But I say again, learn first, to eat at the unlimited buffet of Devine grace yourself before sharing with others. Don’t try to take over God’s job.
So, where does all the grace go?
The grace goes from Him, into me and then through me. A constant cycle of the everlasting, unconditional love of Christ.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
