Applying Grace

Yesterday, I realized that I was beginning a new chapter in my life.  I know because I am finally walking into a new area of my life, I'm not just tip-toeing anymore.

I am beginning to volunteer at hospital, in an area that requires compassion and responsibility.  I question myself, am I really ready for this?  The woman who runs this unit of the hospital, she is the one who recruited me for this area- when she talks to me, she is so hopeful that I will make a difference and she has confidence I can.  And, honestly it scares me because I don't know if I can or will.

Secondly, I am starting to step forward in a leadership position for an organization.  I have never held a leadership position before, so I don't really know what to expect.  I fear not being good enough, and not being able to fulfill the duties described as secretary.

And thirdly, I am starting to become more involved with my church (I'm finally starting to talk to people!).  But, I always have this fear before I go that I will rejected and unable to make lasting friendships.

I know, I know- I am a scaredy cat.  After leaving church last night, I realized the one thing they all have in common- fear of rejection, fear of not being good enough.  Yep, it's legit.

Last night at the service, the message was about grace and how the Samaritan woman had a weakness of men.

Yet, Jesus used her, he was able to turn her lust of men, into a lust of living water!

When we are real with Jesus, the real truth comes out as to what is hiding in our hearts, in this verse 17 happened, so 18 addressed 16.

John 4: 16-18

¹⁶ He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

¹⁷ “I have no husband,” she replied.

Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. ¹⁸ The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

You may be wondering now, how does this relate to having fear in your heart?  I will tell you!

Jesus in this conversation with the Samaritan woman revealed the only gift that Jesus can provide!  That gift is grace, living water that continues to fill us and cleanse us!

That friends, is a pretty awesome gift- not gonna lie!

Ephesisans 2:8

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-

and this is not from yourselves,

 it is the gift of God--"

With grace, it only comes from God!  There is no way we can supply this supernatural application ourselves!  Because of this, even though we are tired or exhausted- grace does not depend on our condition or circumstance, it will happen and spurt out because of God is living in us!

We need grace on the inside, so the outside of our lives can change.  I pray usually that the situation around me will change, but after hearing this message last night- I realized that this fear of rejection is internal.  

Until this fear is tackled by Grace on the inside and real, then will it become real on the outside in our actions!

God wants to apply grace to our weaknesses so it becomes our strength!

Yeah, this is pretty deep stuff I learned last night!

But, in our weaknesses, grace uncovers the truth.  When we get real in Christ, we uncover our truth with honesty.  If I hide my weaknesses, I will never know what God's strength can do in my weaknesses.

Moral of the sermon last night, Jesus was able to use grace on this Samaritan.  His grace changed her!  Before, being a woman of many men and caught in the lust of her sin- she was freed!  God was able to turn her charm before men, into a charm before God.  

She was ignited with passion for Christ that she told everyone in the village, and the best part is- they believed her, they knew she changed, they could tell that this living water was not some crazy mojo.

For grace draws people in, and we need to remember that we are walking wells!  We contain living water in our souls that Jesus has provided!

But before we can share it, we need to tackle our insecurities, sin, lusts, anger, hatred, etc.  Because if we don't, we're just a regular well that can supply water that will still keep people thirsty.

Philippians 2: 12-13

¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 

 ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in

 order to fulfill his good purpose.

For only God can turn our weaknesses into strength, as I continue to volunteer and go to meetings- I will remember God goes before me and behind, that I have nothing to fear.  I cannot control my conditions or circumstances, but I have faith God will find a way to mold my fears and insecurities into courage and strength!

Have a blessed day!

<3 KM