PLENTY TOO MUCH GRACE FOR THIS PRESENT CRISIS
I love how Romans 5:17 says, “Those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through Christ Jesus.”
God wants us to live in absolute confidence that there is plenty too much grace, grace for every valley and tough thing we walk through, even this present Corona Virus crisis. Grace is God’s empowering presence to be all we need to be and do all we need to do for God in the present moment.
The problem is that we often trust in the arm of flesh instead of God’s grace. If, for example, we trust in the experts to guide us in how we should navigate through the valley of the corona virus we will definitely fear much evil. The voices of the experts seem to continually change, be uncertain, and breed fear. The politicians will tell you one minute that it would be terribly dangerous to let more than 10% of your people come to church one day and then turn around the next day and say how great it is that thousands are protesting together on the streets.
But God so clearly says, He is our Shepherd, He will lead us through the valley of the shadow of death and as He does there is no need to fear evil. He will provide guidance, rest, protection, spiritual power and authority, and even an overflowing cup of joy in the presence of our enemies. I like to tell Christians we were made for such a time as this. Our forefathers through history have overcome persecution, shipwrecks, lion’s dens, and fiery furnaces. They didn’t rely on experts and the percentages that they would give for survival. They knew God would make them smart, safe, and spirit led in the middle of the uncertainties of life. That is why people like the apostle Paul, Joseph, and so many others taught the experts what to do in the middle of storms and famines and the like.
What an advantage to have the Holy Spirit and the peace of God that passes understanding. When you move in the Spirit you quickly move beyond thinking about survival and spend your life focused on how to encourage and help others walk in peace and victory.
How do you claim the abundance of God’s grace? Stand on the promises of God. Get the facts that are available but see them in the light of the bigger truth of what God says He’s going to do. Ask for wisdom, listen to the Holy Spirit. Walk boldly in confidence that His protection (the rod) and His guidance (the staff) and most important His presence (your good Shepherd) is with you. This is going to be our finest hour church, one of our greatest opportunities to show the world the blessing of having a good Shepherd.
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