Day 5

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." - Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

For those who care about such things, this is my (Drew’s) favorite verse in the whole bible. In this profound truth, we find the essence of God's boundless love, freely offered to undeserving hearts. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to make up for how bad of a person I believe I’ve been. In fact, I’d argue the burnout I went through in 2009 was largely due to my desire to sacrifice myself on some made up altar of guilt in hopes of earning what God had done for me. For the record, that’s not how our relationship with God works. At all. 

Grace is not a transaction but a transformation—a divine force that shatters the chains of guilt and shame. It's God's lavish kindness reaching us at our lowest, beckoning us into reconciliation. Grace stands as the bridge between the sacred and the broken, the gap between our shortcomings and God's perfection.

As recipients of grace, our lives become testimonies of redemption. Through grace, the rebellious find forgiveness, the wounded discover healing, and the lost encounter a loving guide. It empowers us to extend compassion, recognizing that just as we have received, we are called to give.

In moments of weakness, let grace be our refuge. When we stumble, grace lifts us to try again. It's a melody of mercy that echoes through the corridors of time, inviting all to partake in the unending symphony of God's love. May our lives be a reflection of this wondrous grace, a testament to the transformative power of a love that knows no bounds.

Prayer:

Gracious God, thank you for the gift of your transformative grace. In moments of weakness, may we find refuge in your unending mercy. As we navigate life's journey, let our lives resonate with the melody of your love and grace. Empower us to extend the same kindness to others that we have received from you. May our days be marked by gratitude, humility, and a deep awareness of your boundless love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.