You are unique, with your own set of problems and challenges. And that’s why you need the manifold grace of God that is uniquely designed and bestowed upon you. When you are feeling overwhelmed by your problems, be assured that God’s fresh grace is yours for the asking.
Hi, would you like to sing with me? Well, I'm Joni Eareckson Tada, you know how much I love hymns, and I just bet you know this one…
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt;
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Well, there you have it: a celebration of the unmerited grace – that is the unmerited favor – of God; his grace that he lavished on us through Jesus. He extended his grace to us, so that we might extend that same grace and favor to others. For 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” I think another translation says the manifold grace of God. A pastor once told me that in the Greek, it means multi-colored or many-faceted. So the many-faceted grace of God is like saying the multi-colored grace of God. Every way you look at it, there is always something fresh, always something new about his grace; always unique, always different in every situation.
Funny how you hear people talk about the old, old story, and the old doctrines and the old truths of the Bible. I’ve heard folks describe the Good News as the old-fashioned Gospel, but you never ever hear that word “old” connected with grace. So getting back to 1 Peter 4, why are there so many facets, so many shades, so many sides and colors to God's grace? Because each one of us is so unique; we’re so different. And each of us has a different set of problems that we come up against that are totally individual to us. No one has ever faced the exact same set of circumstances that you are now facing – and that’s why you need the “manifold” grace of God – uniquely fashioned and bestowed upon you. Designed and measured out just to help you meet your individual problem with courage and confidence in the Lord.
Are you feeling overwhelmed today by your problems? Are you thinking that there just isn’t help available to match the challenges you’re facing? Well, if you feel that way, believe me, I have been there. I know what you are going through. I can empathize, I resonate, but God’s Word assures both you and me that there is fresh and new help on the way, and grace is yours for God resists the proud but he always, always pours out his favor on the humble.
Oh, and please know that we at Joni and Friends care about your struggles, too. Our staff gathers every morning to intercede on behalf of friends like you who contact our ministry in need of prayer. Whether it’s an upcoming surgery or a prodigal child gone astray or the salvation of a family member, just write us your prayer request at joniradio.org.
Thank you for joining me today in this celebration of the manifold grace of God.
© Joni and Friends