His Grace is Sufficient

Genesis 15:6 (ESV)

^"And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness."

This verse has such a rich, deep, and profound meaning for the elect today.  Abram believed God's promises and God counted him righteous not because he was circumcised, not because he earned it, and not because he deserved it.  Abram was righteous because God proclaimed him so.  God bestowed His grace upon his servant and he was justified because of it.

After I spoke on this passage last Sunday morning a very trusted friend gave me a definition of grace.  Grace can be literally defined as God's ability.  When God tells us that His grace is sufficient for us He is telling us that His ability is sufficient no matter the circumstance.  I wholeheartedly agree, but I believe there is a deeper understanding to His grace.

My children are not perfect.  In fact, they tend to drive their mother and I crazy at times.  When they disobey, the consequence for their actions is losing a specific privilege.  But there are times when we decide to give grace.  (My son has even been known to ask for grace when he has gotten in trouble.)  We do this purposely to teach him the truth of God's grace.  When we give grace to our children it isn't because they deserve it or earned it.  We give grace because we love our children and desire to teach them about God's character.

God gives us His grace not because we deserve it, but because He is God, loves His children, and places His grace upon whom he wishes.  What was true for Abram thousands of years ago is still true today for the children of God.  His grace is sufficient for me.  And praise God I don't have to earn it.