Undeserved Grace

This week once again, I have been reminded of the graciousness of God through His loved ones. Over and over, Mother and I have been the recipients of the kindness of others who give time, resources, prayers, and encouragement in the name of the Lord without show or fanfare. To each of you – Thank you!
        Over the last few weeks, I have been observing the beautiful, vibrant purple flowers of vetch this spring. Seeing these gorgeous verdant creations of God brought to mind the words of Jesus in Luke 12:27, Consider how the wildflowers: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! (HCSB). Those stunning vetch blooms in the pastures, meadow, and even in the yard had done nothing to deserve such visual exaltation – no work, no self effort.

        Jesus continued in Luke 12:28 comparing we humans to the short-lived wildflowers. Then He asked the rhetorical question at the end of the verse, …How much more will He do for you – you of little faith? (HCSB).
        Then Jesus issued a command that if heeded would be life-altering to His disciples. In verse 29 of the same chapter of Luke His words appear, Don’t keep striving for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious. Our Lord and Master addressed the basic needs of mankind but gave a terse command in His last three words – Don’t be anxious. In our country, so often our anxiety is fueled by worries over issues never concerning the gravely deprived populations of the third world countries whose primary need is their next meal or shelter for their family.
        Over the last 12 years since returning to the farm, it seems almost daily anxiety enters my mind. Prayers of thanksgiving all through the day have helped refocus me. Every time our needs are met, even though God primarily uses people to meet them, He is the source of every good and perfect gift.
        Frequently, I am reminded how undeserving I am of each need being met. Yet our loving Heavenly Father lavishes on us what we need. That is the beauty of grace, giving us something we in no way deserve.
        This week may we walk in the daily awareness of the truth of Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:7-8. May our meditation on God's undeserved grace energize our lives to obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit as we go through the week. 

It is through the Son, at the cost of His own blood, that we are redeemed, freely forgiven through that full and generous grace which has overflowed into our lives and opened our eyes to the truth. (I used a translation that Grandpa Calvin Callcayah Smith loved to read -  J.B. Phillips Translation.)