My Experience of Grace!

That faith you have been given, that measure of faith, sufficient faith to move mountains, gives you access into grace. This access into grace should actually cause you to rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2). But what does that mean? What is this access into grace by faith?

Grace is God’s favor to us through Jesus Christ; it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8,9). Grace is described as “spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, gift heaped upon gift” (Amplified John 1:16). It is undeserved favor that came to us through Jesus (Amplified John 1:17). We do not earn grace; it is not the result of our works. Grace is God’s provision for our life and the foundation of our hope. Grace is all that God is and has and can do in our life; none of this is tied to our performance!

Grace is often only associated with forgiveness of sins and our privilege of going to heaven. But grace is so much more! We absolutely must be saved by grace as all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We all need a Savior! However, Jesus provided an entire package of good things for us, that is salvation. The Greek word for salvation is Sozo, which means restoration to a state of health (made well, heal, restore to health, soundness); safety (to keep safe and sound) preservation from danger and destruction (to rescue from danger); to save from perishing; to deliver; to persevere; to perfect; restoration to wellbeing. WOW!

Grace provides, it is provision from the Lord, and by faith we take what grace has provided!

In summary, grace is the provision of everything that we need for life and for godliness (2 Peter 1:3)!

Grace takes the burden off of you. You are able to participate in everything that grace has provided by believing what the Word of God says about His provision. Abraham enjoyed a magnificent blessing of a child at the age of 100, when Sarah’s womb was barren at the age of 90, because they believed in the promise of God. This was grace. Abraham and Sarah didn’t work for this blessing, they received it because they believed God was mighty and able to keep His promise and do exactly what He said. (Romans 4:17-21)

I pondered my own life thinking about all the experiences of grace that I have had. I would like to share one experience with you. After meeting with the Chaplain at the Chesapeake City Jail for months, in preparation to teach Bible study to female inmates, the moment had finally arrived. The Lord had confirmed through prayer, peace and Scripture, that this was His will for me. As the day approached, I was encouraged by a friend to contact a woman that had provided Bible study in this capacity for twenty-five years. Although we had never met, we spoke by telephone. Her immediate response to our conversation was that I was not called to this ministry. She was very discouraging! As she spoke her opinion my stomach felt like it was in knots; I was grieving at her remarks. Following the conversation, I reached out to the Chaplain at the jail, describing the woman’s words. He did not pass judgement on her, but reflected that after meeting with me for months he had a different opinion. But he encouraged me to seek the Lord regarding this matter, noting it was only God that could assist me in making the right decision.

Within forty-eight hours I had my answer; I would proceed with the original plan to teach Bible study. Unfortunately, this negative seed had been planted, and although I determined it was God’s will for me to do this, I was anxious and bit fearful. I began to second guess my decision.

As I entered the jail confusion set in, and I doubted my ability to navigate the multiple hallways to the women’s area. Two guards were at the main desk, however, as I was signing in, confirming that they were also going to the women’s section! Amazing! In all my time coming to the jail for training there had never been any guards at the front desk! I was escorted by the two gentlemen; their conversation was comforting to me.

I approached the community living area with a Bible and hand-outs for the lesson. In silence I walked in and sheepishly went to the table set up on the middle of the room. As I approached the women began to look at me and gradually approached the table. One by one they sat. As they gathered a calm that I couldn’t explain came over me. I introduced myself and casual conversation occurred. It was as if I had known these women all of my life! Then I taught God’s Word according to what He had instructed me. His Word flowed from mouth in a manner that I had never experienced. As I taught, the women began to weep, explaining that these were the same words that God had given them earlier in the week. They wept and explained their awe at what they were experiencing.

We concluded our study with prayer. I exited from the jail remembering every hallway and every turn; I left in peace and joy as I experienced the grace of God, which I took by faith, receiving His blessing… He had completely equipped me for the moment, and He continued to do so for every Bible study for the following ten years…