For the next 5 or so weeks, I will be working my way through the book of Galatians. My plan was to write one Grace Notes post on each chapter. But, already I see 2 posts I’d love to write from Galatians Chapter 2. So, since it’s summer, and I’m feeling a little crazy, let’s just see where the next 5 weeks takes us! Why Galatians? Well, let’s find out…
I love when I study a verse , think I see it all but then God…
“But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles…”
Galatians 1:15-16
When it pleased God? You mean He doesn’t always work in my timetable?
Why didn’t His Grace show up before Paul watched with approval the killing of Stephen?
Why didn’t He show up before my dad got cancer?
Where is the Grace in that?
Grace is free. Spontaneous. Universal. And based on the giver,not the receiver.{Vines on Grace}
And because He is God, and I am not, I have to trust that He has a purpose and a plan for me even when I can’t see what He is doing. {Jeremiah 29:11} I’m learning that He allows difficulties in my life so that I can experience more of His Grace.
I love this quote from Oswald Chambers:
Keep your life so constantly in touch with God that His surprising power can break through at any point. Live in a constant state of expectancy, and leave room for God to come in as He decides.
When it pleases God.
He surprises.
His Grace breaks through.
He works in ways I don’t understand.
Grace makes room. Hmm…that sounds familiar.
I’m praying that I live in constant touch with Him, so that when it pleases Him, there is room in my life for His Grace to break though.
*****
What about you? Do you see that Grace is not always predictable? Wouldn’t it have been easier to call Paul by His grace in the very beginning? Do you love that Grace is spontaneous and universal, or does it frustrate you at times? Let’s chat in the comments!
Grace is based on the giver not the receiver. Oh man, I needed to hear that today. Grace takes me by surprise often. It’s still so new to me, really. But because I am learning and accepting grace I find I am opening my life to God’s love more. I am trusting HIM more and everything changes. And I find myself surprised, again!
Me, too Robyn. This year, as I’ve focussed my eyes on grace – I am being surprised again and again that it really is about relationship. There really is room for grace. There is enough time for it. And, He loves to weave it into my life.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing this! I love what you are learning!
Insightful post. This is hard but so true: “I’m learning that He allows difficulties in my life so that I can experience more of His Grace.” And, even though it’s hard, I’m so thankful for it… for His grace shining through those difficulties. And grace in the midst of any of this (because it is so undeserved) is always surprising, isn’t it? What a beautiful surprise.
(Always a fan of your Grace Notes posts!)
Really enjoy that quote from Sir Chambers. I am starting Galatians at Cravings in July so it will be great to study along with you. With Joy, Carey
Excited to follow along, Stacey. I think this is just what I need right now. And I’m not ignoring your questions; just thinking about them still…