"So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."
-Luke 15:20
As humans and as American Christians, one of our greatest enemies is independence-- the "pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps" mentality. If we are to accomplish anything, it will be by the sweat of our brow. If we are to receive grace, we are going to deserve it. If we cannot get our own selves to a lifestyle of holiness or a disciplined routine or a worshipful mindset, we throw up our hands and proclaim that it can never be. But grace deserved is not grace at all.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
and grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far
and grace will lead me home."
-from John Newton's "Amazing Grace"
But we are not left entirely as puppets or pawns in the hand of God. He asks of us a step. If we cannot bring ourselves to the place we need to be, He asks of us to take a few steps in that direction. If we cannot budge our foot, He asks of us just a desire to move. If we cannot convince our heart to desire it, He will accept a simple prayer for that desire to be there. I have seen this time and time again in my own life as well as in Scripture-- the father did not seek out the prodigal son while he was still living in rebellion, but as soon as he began the journey to the front door, the father was running through the fields to embrace him and welcome him in.
Can we humble ourselves enough to seek and accept grace in today's circumstances?
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