There are times in my life when I am breathless. It may come when someone gives me a gift I never expected. At other times I'm breathless at seeing an incredible painting or from reading a beautiful story. I hear somebody's testimony and it gives me goosebumps. And, of course, there is always that moment when I see a "breathtaking view" of the mountains... or I remember that time when I was in Iowa and I saw the rolling fields stretch on forever underneath the most beautiful blue sky. Now that left me breathless.
I can feel that way spiritually at times. Consider the grace of God in John 1:16: "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another."
Think about that for a moment, because it's breathtaking!
The fullness of grace. Grace that gives one blessing after another of more grace. Consider it. His grace saved you. His grace sustains you. His grace showers rain and sun on the good and the evil. His grace withholds judgment on nations. His grace keeps you. His grace protects you. It's absolutely inexplicable, His grace.
Now the grace of God is one thing. But then there's this grace upon grace talked about in John 1:16. Grace upon grace? I'm floored. What can I say? His grace upon grace not only lets me live, His grace lets me serve, it lets me worship, it lets me take His name as my own, it called me by name, it grants me fullness of life as the Bible says.
That will leave me breathless. His grace upon grace is too much for me. I'm... I'm so unworthy. I'm such a sinner. Sometimes I cry out for God and I can only sing it:
(Joni sings)
Grace, Grace, God's grace
Grace that will pardon and prove within
Grace, grace God's grace
Grace that is greater than all my sin.
Sometimes I cry out for God to remove His grace because there is no way I deserve such favor. And it's at that very moment His Spirit says, “Joni, I'm glad you see your complete dependence on me. Your unworthiness tells you how crooked you are, but let me give you grace so I can straighten you out. Now, loosen your limbs, Joni. Clear your throat. I've got more work for you to do. And more grace.”
St. Augustine once said, "Grace is given not because we have done good works, but grace is given in order that we may do them." Grace upon grace is God pouring His energy, pouring His divine will and power into us. It isn't a sentiment. It isn't an idea. It isn't a doctrine. Grace is the unmerited favor of God poured out upon you in blessing upon blessing.
And so, having realized that, I move ahead another day in His grace. My breath restored, I live and move again until another time when He takes away my breath again, by His grace.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
© Joni and Friends