Resting in Grace

Sometimes I unconsciously trouble myself about my relationship with God. Insecurities and worry flood my soul with questions like, “Am I good enough?”, “Am I doing enough?”, “Should I be doing more?” I judge myself on my performance on the outside and strive to be “acceptable” to God. But at the end of the day, and in the core of my soul, I know it’s still not enough.

God reminded me afresh today of His amazing grace, and that His grace is not just something to be believed in, but also trusted and rested in.

I cannot, by my performance, earn God’s grace. It’s impossible. If it was, grace wouldn’t be grace. Let’s define ‘grace’ though. Grace is “the free and unmerited favor of God.” Nothing we do, nothing we say, no amount of Bible study we do, or prayers we pray can earn us more grace with God. His grace is free and unconditional on our performance.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Now, the problem I have lies in “believing” that grace is a free gift of God, but not “resting” in that grace in my daily life. (which, honestly, they both relate to one another.) Why do I strive to earn grace by my works and doings instead of resting in God’s unchanging mercy towards me? Maybe I don’t really believe in it? Or maybe I am ignorant of the fact that grace can be rested in. If the latter is true, God enlightened me this morning.

I think “resting in grace” will continue to be a struggle for me, because I am so performance driven. But – by God’s grace – I will learn to trust and rest in it.

“That in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:7

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Filed under: Devotional Life, Reflections on July 25th, 2008

15 Responses to “Resting in Grace”

  1. Steph, on July 25th, 2008 at 7:33 am Said:

    I can really identify with this, Kaysie. Thank God that because of His grace we can be overcomers though!

  2. coffeegirl217, on July 25th, 2008 at 8:18 am Said:

    I have a huge problem dealing with this too! It’s like resting in grace is so easy that it’s too easy. It’s hard to just rest when, on earth, we have to do things constantly to be enough (and even then, we’re not enough!). I think a lot of people struggle with this.

  3. kaysie, on July 25th, 2008 at 9:02 am Said:

    Well, it is a comfort to know that I am not alone. Thanks girls. :)

  4. Brianna, on July 25th, 2008 at 9:16 am Said:

    PTL for this truth Kaysie!

  5. Jasmine, on July 25th, 2008 at 1:35 pm Said:

    Thank you for those thoughts, Kaysie!

    This is definitely something I can identify with, and something I needed to hear today.

    You are just bursting with insight. :)

  6. Rebekah, on July 25th, 2008 at 2:21 pm Said:

    You should read the book Captured By Grace…it is an amazing book, one of my many favorites :)

  7. Meshaay, on July 25th, 2008 at 4:38 pm Said:

    like others said, I truly identify with this. But thank God for His mercy in helping us all to rest in His love. Aah, I love Him.

  8. kaysie, on July 25th, 2008 at 5:44 pm Said:

    Rebekah, I will definitely check out that book you recommended. Isn’t it authored by David Jeremiah? I will look it up. Thanks! :)

  9. Ella, on July 25th, 2008 at 6:31 pm Said:

    The subject of grace is one that God is teaching me alot about. Though others are so quick to give up on us when we fail, Christ says :”I shall extend you grace; you have another chance.” Like you, I can sometimes doubt, but then I have to remember one of my absolute favorite quotes from the movie Amazing Grace: “I am only sure of two things. That I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”

    Let’s all rest in that!

  10. kaysie, on July 25th, 2008 at 6:48 pm Said:

    I too love that quote, Ella! That movie is amazing. I actually need to watch it again… maybe tonight! ;)

  11. Carley, on July 25th, 2008 at 9:55 pm Said:

    Hey Kaysie,
    Great post! Sometimes I feel the exact same way you do, wondering if I’m good enough……but I know that I have been saved by grace, so thanks for the reminder!
    Carley

  12. Sarah, on July 25th, 2008 at 10:30 pm Said:

    It’s amazing that you should post about this…I have discovered today that my relationship with God has nothing to do with how I feel. Sometimes I won’t feel terribly close to Him–but I don’t rely on hype. I just have to work on our relationship–and seek His face. Thanks, Kaysie. I think God is working in our lives!

  13. Rebekah, on July 25th, 2008 at 10:42 pm Said:

    Yes Kaysie, it’s by David Jeremiah…I couldn’t remember his name right then! :)

  14. Jenifer, on July 26th, 2008 at 2:15 pm Said:

    A big Amen, Kaysie!
    Your posts are always uplifting.
    Have a blessed day :-)

  15. Phylicia, on July 26th, 2008 at 6:39 pm Said:

    HI Kaysie!

    I haven’t been on here enough! I am done with my job now so maybe I can write some more. This post is just a gift from God to me, Kaysie… this is exactly what I have been doing. I have felt so tired, weary and it is a result of being “performance driven” and not resting in His grace. I tend to disbelieve that He will forgive me “one more time”. Thanks so much… this means a lot to me.
    In Him
    Phylicia

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