NO GRACE FOR THAT

One day when I was on the road I met a great man of God. He was a highly effective minister and operated in powerful gifts to the benefit of many people around him.  He had a big thorn in his side though and his countenance would drop terribly when he'd talk about it.  He felt obligated to help a friend out with certain responsibilities.  It seemed like the right thing to do, but it robbed him of joy and irritated him to no end. 

Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."  Doing what seems right is not the same as doing what is right.  Jesus said "I can do nothing by Myself."  (John 5:19) If Jesus only did stuff with the Father's help, why do we think we can do what "seems right" and have it go well?  God's grace is for God's way and will. 

Whatever you do, don't get into 'Thorn' theology; believing the thorn in the apostle Paul's side was God's will. In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul talks about having a "thorn in his side" that he begged God to remove.  First of all, you don't beg God.  Secondly, God answered saying "My grace is more than enough".  God told Paul he already had an abundant answer ... His amazing grace!  Thorn's are no match for God's grace.  Pam could put a big plate of pasta in front of me, but I keep saying, "I'm so hungry."  At some point she's going to say, "Eat the pasta. It's more than enough." 

I talk to great believers who are exhausted, discouraged and joyless. They're amazing people but lost in activity for their children, spouse, ladies bike-a-thon, neighborhood bake sale, their pal's advisory board, and a semi-junior kindergarten graduation ceremony.  The grace is for what God is telling you to do, not what seems right.  Get your joy back. Get your life back.  Stop the craziness and start doing the one thing God is telling you to do. That's where you'll find the grace.  The fruits of the Spirit will begin to flow again. 

Jesus said "Martha, Martha!  You are troubled about much, but one thing is necessary ..."  (Luke 10:41-42).  You can do nothing by yourself.  Let God give you your life back and get the grace flowing again. 

Prayer for today:

Lord I repent of doing what seems right to me and submit myself to your direction knowing that you give me grace as I humble myself.  I harmonize with your will and declare, I am led by the Holy Spirit and full of grace!  I only do what my Heavenly Father tells me to do.  I stop the craziness.