Prayer to Rest in the Glorious Gift of God’s Grace
Author: Emily Rose Massey
Bible reading:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own works; it is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV).
Listen or read below:
I have always been a list maker and driven by accomplishment. From a certain point on, being successful and motivated became the meaning behind every breath I took. I found purpose in my performance and productivity. I loved getting high on the “hustle” and having a packed schedule. For years and years, I have filled the margins of my existence with dance classes, gymnastics, cheerleading, running track, student council, marching band, pep band, concert band, art clubs, peer groups, musicals and plays, auditions, performances, church choir practices, tutoring, youth ministry, college and vocational ministry, worship team rehearsals, Bible studies, prayer meetings, church leadership meetings, drama practices, event planning committees, speaking engagements, etc….
…to name just a few examples.
All I have known for over 20 years of my life is this constant vicious cycle. I still struggle with the temptation to find my worth in my productivity and seek happiness when everything is “perfect.” It’s a tiring way to live, and if you’re not careful, this mindset will creep into your spiritual life and you’ll soon find yourself striving to earn God’s favor and love.
But we know we cannot earn it because salvation is a gift from God, as Ephesians 2:8-9 says.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own works; it is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV).
And just as God is sovereign in our salvation, so He is sovereign in our sanctification. The Lord is the One who watches over us as we grow as we walk with Him. The same grace that saved us is the same grace that keeps us and daily molds us into the image of Christ. From the moment of your conversion, you have become God’s ongoing work. And the best news of all is that when God is with you, you don’t get tired, stressed, or exhausted. God will complete the work He began in us (Philippians 1:6).
Contradictions and failures remain the same. Your disobedience, your lack of trust… none of it will change your work or hinder God’s plan for your life. God started it and God ends it. We just need to rely on the Lord’s power and grace and ask for wisdom to walk in obedience. The Holy Spirit is our helper and will help you walk in accordance with God’s will. You don’t have to flex your “faith muscles” to see it happen. You just need to trust that God’s plan for your life will be fulfilled. Not because there is anything good about you, but because of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Are you struggling to earn God’s love? When you fail and sin, do you hide from God or do you try to “try to be better” and figure it out on your own? Dear friends, you don’t have to run away from God. He sees everything and knows you’re definitely going to mess up. That’s why God sent His Son Jesus to earth to live the perfect life for you. To fully implement the law for you. Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for your punishment from the curse of the law that you could never keep. Come boldly to the throne of grace today and receive the new mercy that Christ died for you. Lean on the power and grace of the Lord today and see the work He has begun in you continue until His glorious Second Coming or until you meet Him face to face. Trust that God is working and surrender to it.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father,
Allow the truth of Your Word to take root in my heart regarding the beautiful promise of Your precious gift of grace. Gifts cannot be earned or kept. Your grace is completely free and abundantly given to me. Jesus, thank you for your great sacrifice on the cross, which made a way for me to inherit eternal life.
Oh, God, may we never forget that the work of the cross is finished. Please help me to rest from the work that is done. When I sin, Holy Spirit, convict my heart to run boldly to the throne of grace and receive your forgiveness and love.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
Join the conversation! Please share how today’s devotional spoke to you in the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: @killianpham
Emily Massey started writing short stories and poems at a young age, entered the world of blogging in her early twenties, and published her first book in 2015. While she enjoys being a homeschool mom to four boys, she is also able to pursue her passion as a writer. She believes much is forgiven, loves much, and desires to teach others about Christ and His saving and transforming power, especially by sharing the truths found in God’s written Word. To connect with Emily, please visit www.emilyrosemassey.com.
Related Resources: Getting Real with God: Prayer Without Performance
Author Addison Bevier appears on Arlene’s Happy Home Podcast to talk about what sincere and non-good prayer actually looks like for you and your children. He shares why humility is a parenting superpower, how to guide children to “second purity,” and why the morning routine is the most spiritually important part of the day. Join us for a truly wisdom-filled conversation about prayer and Addison’s new book, A Word with God. If you like what you hear, follow Arlene Pellicane’s Happy Home Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode.
