Chapter 7 ~ Sustained by Grace

Chapter 7 ~ Sustained by Grace

I have to say this chapter has posed the most difficult of my musings so far. I looked back at my notes from previous reading of this book to see what poked my heart in earlier days.

I realize that the topic of a believer who sins is such an unapproachable topic with some.

I have been on both sides of this issue. I have been the one needing grace for a horrible choice. I have also been the one, who because of my own struggle, to withhold grace until I thought the person deserved it.

But, remember, you can't earn grace!

Thus the battle that rages inside my heart.

And, if you really think about it, David crossed the line a number of times. So what about that? How do you feel about people who seemingly ignore the standards of God?

I have my own thoughts, some of them are already on this page... How about you?

Read this and tell me what you think.. "In spite of this terrible lapse in judgment, David was still destined to become the king of Israel. God had willed it. He had willed it knowing that David would not always be worthy of this sacred trust. He had willed it knowing that a day would come when David would give him ample excuse to rescind his promise. But that promise would stand. For it was not anchored by the behavior of the recipient, but by the grace of the One who had made the promise." Andy Stanley ~ Page 97

I know that sin is sin. There is not mistaking that. I also know that for reasons unknown God decides to "whack" some while allowing others to seemingly skate free. I know the verse I turn to each time I begin to allow my mind to race down these back alleys... ""I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”

Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”" John 21:18-22

Party over! No place for you or I to do any more than we've been asked to do. Confront other believers for their obvious sin. Then, follow Jesus with a pure heart knowing that God is big enough to be the perfect father who knows how to discipline his children.

Lesson? We are all in need of sustaining grace, not because we've done what David did, but because, if left to our own vices, we will choose ourselves over others. Not just one time, but every time. We are truly a needy people, in need of grace.

What do you think? What do you feel yourself pushing back from?

Comment away!