07 Apr 24 in Twenty-10: Scripture Memory Verse #7
Everyday Grace
For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help. Hebrews 4:15-16 (NET Bible)
Whew! Here I am… running behind, but still standing! Our darling 2-year-old granddaughter, Josie, came to stay with us last Friday… Good Friday, for 10 days (currently on day 6 of 10) and I’m just a little off my normal routine and schedule. Coincidentally (or conveniently) her “Bubba” (John) had a speaking engagement in Ohio, so it’s me and the cutie girl hanging out together! Going to the park. Watching Dora the Explorer. Reading books. Drinking apple juice. Watching Dora again. Doing puzzles. Going for a walk. Watching Dora, again. Eating ice cream with sprinkles and M&Ms. Playing dress up. Watching Dora, again. Going to Target. Watching Dora, again… and singing “If You’re Happy and You Know it Clap Your Hands” in the car. Fifteen (15) times. In a row. Who could resist that sweet little voice yelling from the back seat, “Yaaaay! Let’s do again, Punky!”
Seriously – she is a doll! She is also a genius (slight prejudice) and can recite the Old Testament books of the Bible (thanks to her Daddy); she has the vocabulary of a 6-year-old, and a repertoire of about 20 songs that she can sing… in her bed at 10:30 PM when she should be sleeping. She’s a bundle of energy, and I’m…. 52! Need I say more?
I prayed and prayed over Josie’s visit for weeks prior, that it would be a sweet time of bonding with her… and it most certainly has been. And since the Lord never works one dimensionally, I was certain the He would have much to teach me through her visit; and He has. Mostly patience and grace, and my need for His daily! Lord, have mercy!
Patience: When Josie wants her sippy cup refilled with apple juice, she wants it now. Funny… God’s “children” are no different, no matter what the age. We want what we want and we want it now. We don’t like to have to wait for Him or on Him. But wait we do, because there is purpose in the waiting… mainly the purpose of learning to exercise the fruit of the Spirit in me that produces patience; patience with others, patience with myself, and patiently waiting on the Lord’s timing. I tried to explain that to a 27 month old and it really didn’t go over very well. (grin) Lord, have mercy!
Grace: This is perhaps my most favorite of all the benefits I’ve received in Christ because grace, “charis”, is the favor of God; His merciful kindness… His loving-kindness through Christ Jesus. It’s getting something I so desperately need but have done nothing to earn. It’s that “just the right thing at the right time” that gets me through, helps me overcome, and keeps me going so that I can do what I never thought I’d be able to…and then some. Grace is help in my time of need. Lord, have mercy!
So, it’s been the most sweet and precious bonding time with Josie, and a rich time with the Lord, too. I’d actually picked this verse beforehand, and the Lord is using it over and over again to show me that it’s not just the BIG stuff I need grace for… even more it’s the everyday stuff. Lord, have mercy!
How good to know that Jesus needed grace, too. That He experience weariness, exhaustion, irritations and frustrations that could have caused Him to give into sin… but He did not. How good to know that He does sympathize with us. That He can relate. Oh, sweet Lord, have mercy… and give me grace. Give me grace to be more like Jesus.
For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help. Hebrews 4:15-16 (NET Bible)
Pressing on in Him, sisters…
Punky