Recently, I thought of the lyrics of this lovely and meaningful song: “Think about His love”. The first few lyrics are: “Think about His love. Think about His goodness. Think about His grace. That’s brought us through.” Have you ever pondered over the grace of God? What come to mind when you think about it? As for me, I reckon that each day is but by the grace of God. I rely gladly and greatly upon it. What then does God’s grace mean to me? Do I deserve to be called into ministry? How wretched a sinner I am! I do not deserve to be called into ministry. No, it is by the grace of God that I was called into ministry. The grace of God: what and how do I understand it? To me, it is a great mystery. Being in the ministry for so many years, I am forever grateful to God for His sustaining and transforming grace. In this lifetime, I could never comprehend fully the grace of God. Each day, I am living by the grace of God. God, by His grace, called me into ministry and sanctified me for ministry. Without the grace of God, I do not know where I would be and how I would become.
The Lord Jesus, the Son of God, came to show me this abundant and amazing grace. I once was lost but now am found. Jesus found me when I was searching for real meaning in life. Jesus accepted me despite my failures, my weaknesses and my faults. I once was blind but now I see. Jesus opened my spiritual eyes to know and understand the truth in His powerful Word. Jesus welcomed me into His wonderful family of faith and love. Faith was given to me in order that I may know Him. With this faith, I can make known His truth and His love to others. Jesus taught me His all-sufficient grace to sustain and strengthen me in my relationship with Him and with others. He overflows me with His love so that I can love others whom I find it hard to love or have difficulty loving. To me, all these which I have experienced are purely by the grace of God. This reminds me of an acronym, “G.R.A.C.E.” which is “God’s Redemption At Christ’s Expense.” Jesus died to redeem me from all my sins and shame. His redemptive grace is so great. This reminds me of the riches of God’s grace. In Ephesians 1:7-8, the Word of God says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” I must constantly remind myself of the gospel of Jesus Christ or in another word, to preach the gospel often to myself. I want to do it so that I will not receive God’s grace in vain (see 2 Corinthians 6:1). Jesus suffered so much for me. His death on the cross is overwhelming. How can I take it but to offer my life afresh and anew to Him! The grace of God is the motivating factor for my living. I live for Christ and for Christ alone. I will exalt His Name and proclaim His Name. I will testify of His goodness and of His grace. To bring someone to the saving knowledge of Christ is also purely by the grace of God. I love this lovely hymn, “Grace Alone”. Let me share the lyrics of this hymn with all of you.
“Grace Alone”
Every promise we can make
Every prayer and step of faith
Every difference we can make
Is only by His grace
Every mountain we will climb
Every ray of hope we shine
Every blessing left behind
Is only by His grace
Chorus:
Grace alone which God supplies
Strength unknown, He will provide
Christ in us, Our Cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone
Every soul we long to reach
Every heart we hope to teach
Everywhere we share His peace
Is only by His grace
Every loving word we say
Every tear we wipe away
Every sorrow turned to praise
Is only by His grace
Chorus:
Grace alone which God supplies
Strength unknown, He will provide
Christ in us, Our Cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone
It is my prayer and desire that I will cling on tightly to the grace of God when all else fail. Having turned my life to the God of all grace, it is truly a life-transforming decision that I will never regret making. May my precious life be lived out for the glory of God by the grace of God! Amen!
