ICS Daily Devotions
Be Strong Through Grace
Grace is the full manifestation, expression and effectiveness of the strength and power of Christ available for the believer in an area of personal weakness when necessary. It is the strength of Christ, which works in, and then out of a human life. Grace is strength, which enables the believer to bear trouble. It turns the greatest weakness into maximum strength. It strengthens the spirit man and gives rests to the believer.
Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV) “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
2 Timothy 2:1 (NKJV) “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
When we encounter a trial or tribulation in life,
1) Ask yourself if it is found in the redemption rights such as sicknesses, poverty or curse. If it is, then look for a scripture to stand on it and His grace will see you through.
2) If the problem is due to personal conflict and not part of your redemption rights, then repent of any sin, get your heart right with God and make necessary adjustments.
3) If the problem is due to someone else’ attack or sabotage against you, God can strengthen your inner man through the grace given to you. You can rise above the occasion and be the head and not the tail and the end result of it all is that you will build up your character.
Luke 9:53-56 (NKJV) But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.”
The disciples wanted to destroy the Samaritans when they did not receive Jesus but Jesus rebuked the disciples for having such thoughts. Jesus did not come to destroy life, job or positions!
Matthew 5:43-44 (NKJV) “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,”
Our walk should a walk of love. For those who are persecuting us, we should ask God to bless their life and touch them with His love. Then we are really God’s children with character!
Such response is not easy but asks God for grace and wisdom to deal with the situation. If God through the Holy Spirit speaks to you to do something, just do it and God’s grace and peace will be multiplied to you and will be sufficient for you to overcome all situations that you may face.
Sermon Series: Grace for Life
