Strength in Grace

2 Timothy 2:1 – “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

Grace is a wonderful thing, no? I daily thank God for His grace in my now renewed and meaningful life. I have not, however, thought of being strong in it. My professor said, “The more you understand your depravity, the more you’ll welcome God’s enabling grace.” Being humble and knowing that grace is what sustains me all day long is one thing. But to actually live in boldness and to profess that grace is a completely earth shattering fundamental that I think many Christians have a difficult time remembering to do. It’s obvious; Paul is reminding Timothy to do so in Scripture to him.

Often times, I see my brothers and sisters (in Christ) justifying why they’re not doing something because they feel that they’re not worthy enough. Witnessing is a great example. So many people tell me that they don’t do it because they’re not good at it, they’re not preachers, they don’t speak well, they have nothing to offer to the world, etc. If we’ve received grace, we have something to offer to the world. At least, that’s the way I see it. The problem is that the very grace that enables us to walk in the light (1 John 1:7) is the same grace that people seem to forget is what will enable them to be about their Father’s business and witness effectively.

Effective witnessing is done by the power of the Holy Spirit alone. We are only a vessel chosen to deliver a message that is straight from Him. I mean, how many times have you ever started saying something to someone and next thing you know you’re sharing things from Scripture that you didn’t know you’d remember? “Man, where did that come from?” I’ve asked myself that very question before only to be reminded immediately that it came from God the Spirit.

So if we think we can’t witness or share or love or go or do whatever we’re feeling pricked in the heart to do, we must remember that by grace are we saved, not by works – be strong in that same grace and be about your Father’s business.