This term has been really busy so far and it's got to that point where we're all feeling pretty tired. I've been finding it really important to remind myself that God is the one who sustains me and that I can't do ministry in my own strength. It can be very tempting to think that once God has done his work of salvation, it's then up to us to live up to his standards and become better people.
Most of us would probably agree that we don't need to prove ourselves to God or earn his love, but we can sometimes live as though that's what we believe. It's very easy to get caught in a performance trap and be constantly trying harder to live up to God's standards rather than allowing his Spirit to transform us.
In 2 Kings 4: 1 - 7 we see God's amazing provision of olive oil for a widow who trusted in his promises. God's grace is ever-flowing and will never run out:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.2 Cor 12: 9
All we have to do is keep coming humbly to God, not trusting in our own strength and then we "will have grace not only to cover all our sins, but to carry us right into glory." (D L Moody,
God's Abundant Grace).
Isn't it wonderful that we have a heavenly father who is so rich in grace!