Surprising Grace

Surprised by Grace
A New Beginning

Confession:  I’m the one who suggested that Southern Baptist Girl blog through Surprised by Grace, yet I’m also the one who’s been the most slack about posting.  I had no idea that life would hit like it has, that I would experience a crash, and that I could feel so distant from God.

This morning, He woke me early and I couldn’t avoid Him any longer.  There, tucked into my favorite chair with one small light and the Word illuminating my path, God put into words the truth I’ve been living for the past weeks.

Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. – Jonah 2:8

Jonah was praying to God, but he was talking about the sailors who’d thrown him overboard. He didn’t realize how his words applied to his own heart.

They also apply to mine.

I have no doubt that God loves me. He pulled me from the pit of my sin and rescued me. He died so that I might live.  But lately I haven’t been living the life He intended for me.

If you want to live for things that bring only temporary comfort and happiness, there’s plenty to choose from…Only God can take you beyond that – if you want to go beyond what you could ever become on your own. (p. 88)

I’ve been too distracted by my circumstances, my wants, my self…my sin…to experience His steadfast love. I have forsaken the hope of my calling in Christ.

I’ve been in the belly of the whale.

But God…

God’s grace isn’t seen in the lessening of his demands toward us; he always has and always will demand perfect obedience. His grace is experienced when we come to realize that his perfect demands for each of us have already been met by Jesus. He lived the live we couldn’t live and died the death we should have died. (p. 88)

Today, He brought me out of that dark, lonely place and set my feet on Christ the Solid Rock. Praise His Name! Undeserving as I am, He has lavishly poured His mercy on me. I have truly been surprised by grace.

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