Topic: Grace and More Grace [Joyce Meyer Devotional 26 May 2021]

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…God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually} to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it.— James 4:6 (AMPC)

Grace is not only God’s undeserved favor that provides forgiveness and mercy when we sin, but it is also His power that enables us to do whatever we need to do in life. But He gives it to those who are humble enough to admit that they need help. We all need help, but a prideful, independent attitude will cause us to keep trying to do things in our own strength, instead of admitting our inability and leaning entirely on God.

We should trade “trying” for “trusting.” Instead of struggling and being frustrated because our efforts always fail to produce what we want, we can ask for God’s help at the beginning of, and all the way through, each thing that we undertake in life. We can learn to lean on God, and as we do, it takes the pressure off of us. He can do more in one moment than we can do in a lifetime. Faith the size of a mustard seed can do more than the willpower and self-determination in the world (see Matthew 17:20).

Frustration always equals works of the flesh, which happen when we try to do in our own strength and effort what only God can do. WE are partners with God, and as such, He will assign things for us to do, but we cannot complete what He asks us to do without leaning entirely on Him, let alone trying to do things he hasn’t told us to do. For example, it is not our job to change our family and friends, but it is our responsibility to pray for them and represent Christ in all of our interactions with them. If you are ready for help, humble yourself, admit that you can do nothing without Jesus, and receive His wisdom, strength, and help!

Prayer Starter: Apart from you, Jesus, I can do nothing. I will fail completely without You, so I ask for Your help, and I will give You the glory for any success that I achieve. In Jesus’ name, amen.