September 25, 2006
Posted by jfsteverson on September 25, 2006
We love, because He first loved us.1st John 4:19 NASB
As I meditate on this passage of Scripture, I am reminded of the wonderful truth that is evident within these words. And that wonderful truth is that the God of the universe desires to have a living relationship with me. He is the initiator of this relationship. He openly invites us to have a relationship with Him through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
For too many years of my life I thought that serving God meant keeping a set of man-made rules. I thought that I had to constantly do something to merit God’s attention and favor. I labored under the misconception that my relationship with God was initiated by me. Often times, because I was ashamed of a less than perfect life, I would be reluctant to approach Him, even when I needed him the most.
But, one day the Holy Spirit revealed this wonderful truth to me. I am not, nor have I ever been, the initiator of this divine relationship between the Creator and His created ones. It is God who reaches out to me. What a powerful concept; God the creator fervently desires to have a living relationship with me. He is the One who initiated the work of salvation and called me to it. He is the One who desires for me to enjoy the abundant Christian life and makes provision for me. He is the One who calls me into an intimate conversation (prayer) with Him, where I can lay down my burdens and receive His power and divine wisdom into my life.
I think after all these years I am finally beginning to understand what grace (God’s unmerited favor) is and what it means to my life. No longer is serving God laborious. Because of grace serving God is no longer a matter of keeping man-made rules, but responding to God in joyful obedience and true holiness. No longer am I reluctant to enter into prayer, because now I know that it is God who has initiated the conversation.
Grace…what a wonderful thing it is indeed.
May the GRACE and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Floyd
© 2006 Floyd Steverson
