THE HOPE OF GOD’S GRACE IN THE PRESENT AGE
Since grace is when we do get what we don’t deserve, it is a gift from God. Every time that we recognize the grace of God in our lives, it is a gift. When we receive these gifts, we receive with them a feeling of excitement and thankfulness followed by an understanding that this will not be the last experience we have with God’s grace. It is the accompanying understanding of these continued experiences that we refer to as hope. Hope when it is fulfilled through God’s gifts of grace, never disappoints us (Romans 5:5a).
Hope is an expression of God’s love given to us by the Holy Spirit who lives in the believer (Romans 5:5b). It is the Spirit of God who actually distributes grace to us. Oh yes, grace is from God, but its conduit is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is in the gift giving business.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63-64, NKJV).
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God (1 Corinthians 2:12-13, ESV).
God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will (Hebrews 2:4).
HOPE OF GOD’S GRACE IN SUFFERING
This present age is not without suffering for those who have made Jesus their Savior and Lord. Since we are by nature disobedient children of God, we will continually be subjected to suffering in this world. However, due to the grace of God, we who believe, and trust will not have to experience this suffering alone. James 1:2-4 (NKJV) makes this statement about suffering, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
When we equate the suffering that we must experience with the grace given to us by God to carry us through the suffering there is no comparison. God will always provide the strength, whether physical or spiritual, for us to withstand the gravest circumstances of life. Romans 8:18-19, NKJV Paul says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
THE HOPE OF GOD’S GRACE IN SACRIFICE
What may seem like a sacrifice to us is actually a testimony to our commitment to God. Deleting the desires and toys of this world from our minds and possessions will bring the blessing of God in greater ways. In this present age, Christians who trust completely in Jesus and walk in the Spirit know what it is to make sacrifices to maintain a lifestyle that is pleasing to God.
THE HOPE OF GOD’S GRACE IN SURRENDER
A life dedicated to serving God in this present age requires continuous surrender.
When we stop questioning God’s existence, follow his plan for our lives, and begin living our faith by following his direction, we live in perfect peace with Him. Surrendering completely to God in our lives, going wherever He leads us, doing whatever he asks us to do, and walking in His Spirit, allows us to have continued fellowship with Him regardless of life’s circumstances.
In times of need, whether it is from suffering, sacrifice, or surrender, we must trust that God will be there to supply ample grace for us to survive the greatest emotional, physical, and spiritual perils. Philippians 4:19 tells us, “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” God’s grace has no limits.
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