We have access to a supernatural power through the gift of grace. We need to realize what we have, and grab hold of it!
Think of it this way.
We have tools in our cabinet.
On one shelf we have all the hand tools: screwdrivers, socket wrenches, and hammers. On another shelf in the same cabinet, we have power tools. The power tools have a source that multiplies our abilities and gets the job done faster with ease. Which one would you grab to build with?
The one where you have to use your own strength or the one that has a source of power behind it?
Same cabinet.
Two different options.
Let’s be real, we are going to choose the power tools!
Choosing the power tools is life in the Spirit, and because of undeserved grace, we have access to God’s power, the Holy Spirit. We can live life in our own strength or we can access His.
Same body.
Two options.
We get to choose which one we live from.
Through His Spirit with unlimited grace or through our flesh with human limitations.
God calls us to live by the Spirit. Because of grace, we are now filled with the same power that released the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth and raised Jesus from the dead.
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.
— Romans 8:11[a] (NLT)
This grace and power are not just reserved for ministry life. We are invited to live with God’s grace and power every single day of our lives not only to be freed from sin and death but to accomplish abundantly more than we could on our own. The rhythmic life is filled with grace upon grace that lifts the heaviness off of us so we can live light and free.
Here’s the problem though: not only are we not using the tools in our “cabinet” to live in the Spirit’s power, but we also have a tendency to pile our life-plate too high with obligations and pressures (whether our own or from others). Consider, maybe, that you more often than not, have said yes to things outside of what God has designed for you to do.
When God says that His grace is sufficient for the day, He means for what He has for each of us in season, according to His purposes. Anything we choose to do outside of His parameters will require us to live in our own strength. We don’t have the grace to accomplish it all and trying to do so leads us to lift heavy loads that we were not made to carry.
Here’s the simple way that I look at this concept: grace, the grace that empowers us to accomplish what we need to in a day, has a jurisdiction area. I am not talking about whether or not we are loved, accepted, forgiven; all of these are God’s grace we cannot lose . . . What I am referring to is this facet of grace that unlocks the light and free life that Jesus says is ours, empowered through the Holy Spirit.
When we are living outside of God’s jurisdiction, His plans for us and His grace (power) to get things done are not available to us. In our humanness, we are not realizing that the light and free life is available as we do life with Him. His sufficient grace becomes enough for us when we remain in rhythm with Him.
I want to challenge you to take an honest look at all you’ve piled on your plate, and what you’ve said yes to, and get with Jesus. Ask Him what His will is for you this season and be willing to release the added pressures He’s not given you the grace to manage.
If you find that during this process of elimination, you’re struggling with the idea that saying no to certain things or letting someone know that you can’t fulfill their request is messing with how you feel you’ll be seen, this reveals that your identity is in what others think about you rather than what God says. Take this opportunity to go after those insecure areas until you’re confidently living for an audience of one.
This way of living is the key that will unlock the light and free life Jesus paid for.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” -Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
Today’s devotional was adapted from my book, Ripple Effect. I pray these words meet you.
Much love, J
