The abundance of God’s Grace and Mercy

God knows exactly where we are with Him, however our lack of honesty with ourselves often acts as a blockage to helping us make real progress in our relationship with God.

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As I've been reading the Old Testament lately I have been really struck by the way God was so precise in all of His instructions leaving absolutely no chance of misunderstanding of exactly what to do and how to do it. Look at the precise instructions that God gave for the building of the Holy Tabernacle in Exodus 36:8-39, which leave no doubt or uncertainty in the materials or way it was to be built. There were also strict warnings of the repercussions that would befall anyone not adhering to these precise instructions, sometimes even resulting in death. Although we may aspire to be precise and follow instructions, I am not sure if we make living out our faith in the world today more difficult than God intended it to be. We often seem to care more about what other people have to say on given subjects rather than what God has to say about them.

I was disappointed to learn the other day that someone who is well known in the Christian community had distanced himself from some of his comments and teaching he had been famous for. Unfortunately, the interviewer had video footage of the person completely contradicting himself. Instead of admitting that his opinion had changed or he had been in error he categorically denied that he had ever said these things. Isn't it sad that even if we have been a Christian for many years and earned respect for sticking to our beliefs we still want to fit in and be accepted by the masses!!  What hope then is there for the young Christian who doesn't know the Bible inside out and feels small, insignificant and unworthy? To that person I would say; every one of us is on a journey trying our best to navigate our path in life. Our Heavenly Father wants us to have an open and ‘teachable’ heart. If we think we know it all we will never experience all that God has for us because He will just let us get on and do it ourselves!! John 16:33 ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’.

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Recently, I have been bowled over by the different ways God has turned situations around in a heartbeat; spiritually. physically and emotionally. However, the message I want to finish with is; when you pray for someone or something don't become weary or frustrated and give up because our timing is not God's timing. If God has promised you something keep on believing until you see the promise come into fruition and then give Him the thanks and adoration He deserves. It is said that we are very fortunate because in the UK the church and Christians are not under persecution. However, it is interesting to note that most countries where there is persecution are the very countries that are experiencing revival and abundant blessing. Maybe we have become complacent in either inviting or expecting God to come into situations and therefore miss out on His abundant grace and mercy. Do we read the Bible because it is a delight to do so or because it is a ritual? Do we give financially to God because we feel we must or is it a pleasure to sow into the Kingdom? Do we help others so they can do something for us in return or out of the goodness in our heart? These are good questions to ask ourselves to help us to understand where we are with God. God knows exactly where we are with Him, however our lack of honesty with ourselves often acts as a blockage to helping us make real progress in our relationship with God.

Fortunately, God does not dwell on the mistakes we make, He is interested in our hearts and gives us opportunities to make wise decisions even when our human frailty seeks to make unwise choices. He has given us a free will let us use it wisely. John 7:17 ‘Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own’.

I pray that the love of God would saturate your life and that it would in turn be poured out on all who come into contact with you.

Author: Lyn Hunt

May God bless and enrich your life

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