Have you ever been discouraged with your growth as a Christian? Have you wondered, “What am I missing? Why am I struggling while everyone else seems to have it all together?” Learning to follow Christ isn’t easy. Sometimes, we face spiritual attacks and discouragement. At other times, we may be missing a simple nugget of truth that would be a huge help. Today’s post on God’s grace was inspired by a reader suggestion. Over the years, God has taught me a lot about depending on His grace.
Here are my top 3 tips on how to live by God’s grace.
1. Learn to fill your cup at the Well of living waters.
One day last summer, I was absolutely exhausted. I was working at a Christian camp, living on little sleep, and working hard. All day long, I had been pouring out of my cup…teaching a children’s class, serving meals, washing dishes, singing in choir. Now the cup was empty, and I had nothing left to give.
After the evening service, I returned to my cabin and opened my Bible. I was thirsty, and I knew where I could find living waters.
Page after page of the Word refreshed my soul. I poured out my heart to God and begged for His help. As I sat on the faded carpet with sun streaming through the window, He met with me. And I received the strength, love, and grace I needed so much.
Sister, you and I need to fill our cups at His well. We can’t do this life alone. Each day—whether in the morning, evening, or another time—we need to meet with God. And, when we seek Him earnestly, He will fill our cups to overflowing.
2. Learn to listen for God’s voice, not the inner critic.
One of my favourite books on God’s grace is Graceful: Letting Go of Your Try-Hard Life by Emily Freeman. In its pages, I found truth that lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders. Emily explains many of the “good girl” masks we hide behind and tells us how we can live by God’s grace.
As an Enneagram type 3 (the Achiever), I had been trying so hard to please God by doing everything perfectly. But I never seemed to succeed. Guilt dogged my steps, and an inner critic kept a running list of everything I still needed to do. (And that list was NEVER finished!) I was convinced that God was never satisfied with my performance.
However, Emily’s book opened my eyes to the truth.
God doesn’t love me because of what I can do. He loves me because I’m His.
I don’t have to “earn” God’s love by checking off every item on my to-do list. He’s going to love me just as much whether I succeed or fail. And His grace is there to help me every step of the way.
And that inner critic in my head? I realized that wasn’t God’s voice. His voice is gentle, loving, and truthful. He doesn’t remind me of all the things I haven’t done yet. Instead, He whispers, “Come and sit at My feet.” He’s not looking for my performance. He wants my heart.
Sister, if you haven’t read Graceful, I would highly recommend it. I probably wouldn’t agree with Emily Freeman on everything under the sun, but she sure knows a lot about grace. You can get it on Amazon.
3. Learn to rest in Him.
In my opinion, one of the most fascinating chapters of Hebrews is chapter 4. In this chapter, Paul talks about rest a lot. He mentions a promise of rest but tells us that not everybody gets to enjoy it.
In verse 3, he throws the door open and shows us *the secret* to enjoying God’s rest.
“For we which have believed do enter into rest…” (Hebrews 4:3a, emphasis added)
The secret to enjoying God’s rest is faith. It’s not work, because we will always have work (on earth now and in God’s kingdom someday).
Paul goes on to explain this concept further,
“For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” (Hebrews 4:10-11)
Some people try to earn salvation by good works. (For more on that, click here.) And some born again Christians try to earn God’s love by good works. But only God can give us true spiritual rest.
We Need to Believe
Instead of trying so hard, we need to believe on Him. More than just believing for salvation, we need to:
- Believe that He will meet all of our needs (Philippians 4:13)
- Believe that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39)
- Believe that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5b)
- Believe that His grace will be enough for our need (2 Corinthians 12:9)
When we believe these truths, we can lay our weary heads down on His lap and rest.
In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus offers us this rest.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Sister, will you find your rest in Him? He is waiting with outstretched arms for you. Run to Jesus!
Let’s Chat:
How has God taught you about His grace? And what tips would you offer a new believer to help them understand the concept of God’s grace? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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