Measuring up. Most days I just don’t feel it. So often we find it hard to measure up to the high standards we have in our mind. If…our house isn’t clean, our kids well adjusted and happy, our spouses fulfilled. If…we aren’t exceeding our goals at work, losing weight, keeping up with our ever growing task list, investing in the lives of those around us. If…we are not living what we think is a picture perfect life, we easily begin to feel like a failure. And how can we as “failures” make a difference in this world?
We sing of amazing grace. We may even think we understand it. But do we live that way?
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ~II Corinthians 12:9
The author of Corinthians was Paul. He understood what it meant to try and measure up. But over time, he began to grasp that Christ can and will use us regardless of what we feel our inadequacies are. In fact, He can only use us for His glory when we come with sincere and humble hearts. When we can be honest and admit we cannot possibly measure up without our Lord’s amazing grace, that is when we can have the greatest impact on others.
Billy Graham once had this to say about grace: “I look forward to seeing Christ and bowing before Him in praise and gratitude for all He has done for us, and for using me on this earth by His grace – just as I am.”
The Lord’s grace is a gift to us. It isn’t something we can earn. And He paid the highest price for this grace by giving His very life. Let’s honor that sacrifice by beginning to live upon His standard of grace. Allow Him to use your weaknesses, your perceived inadequacies, even your mistakes. Trust in His strength, His power. Come to Him with a humble and earnest heart. He isn’t looking for perfection. He just wants you. Right now. Right where you are.
That is Amazing Grace!
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