The Maxwell Minutes kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com: Abundant, sufficient, surpassing grace

Do you need help? Abundant, sufficient, surpassing grace is here!

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

Ellis Elizabeth, my grand baby, turns one

I was working out at the gym the other day and was trying hard to keep up with the rest of the class. I think I’m the oldest one in the bootcamp I have been attending but I’m happy to just be there and be moving. About half way through the class, I wondered if I could finish as the things we were doing were very hard. In an effort to shift my focus from “I can’t” to “I can” I began to focus on the exercises and I began to thank God for different things. Thanksgiving always helps me adjust my attitude and get it positive.

“Thank you God that your grace is sufficient for this class- thank you for abundant grace-thank you for amazing grace,” I continued as I took another breath and jogged a little slower.

God’s grace is something that enables us to do things that we ourselves cannot do on our own. His grace is also his presence in our lives that is always available to us to access at any given time in our lives. The problem I face and see others face, is we often try to do things in our own strength instead of depending on Him.

When Jesus came, a new season of grace was available to all. As I began to study the word grace, I discovered that it is frequently referred to with some incredible adjectives. Abundant grace, sufficient grace, riches of grace, confident grace, much grace and surpassing grace were just some of the things I found about this power packed word.

Romans 5:17 says, “…how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” (NIV) When we simply say, “God help me” in our everyday task at work or at home, His grace helps us rule over life’s circumstances.

One of my favorite scriptures of grace is II Corinthians 2:9 and has helped me through many dark days. “My grace is sufficient for you, my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (NIV) I’ve had days where I have thought I just can not do something or just cannot go another step. It is in those times, I’ve heard God say, “you can do this, my grace is sufficient.”

Tammy, a dear friend

Grace is not earned, it is given as a gift. I’ve received lots of gifts in my life and with each one, I had the choice to open the present and use it or leave it unwrapped and unused. I love what II Corinthians 9:14 says about surpassing grace. “…because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” Surpassing means incomparable or outstanding. That is the kind of gift God gives to each of us every day.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “ Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” This scripture tells us that grace is not earned by good works, it is something God gives to us even when we really do not deserve it. We can always approach God with confidence because his character is rooted in love and forgiveness. God loves to help us. Do you need to open the gift of grace to help you? It is ready to be opened.

II Corinthians 9:8-9 says,” And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” His power is right here for you and me in family situations, at work, in relationships, with our kids, in health battles, being kind when others are not and even at a workout at the gym.

i have had to call on God’s grace for all the above mentioned things in the recent months. God is right beside you and me waiting to give what need to face where we are in life. Call on Him. Grace does not depend on how good you have or have not been, It is an amazing gift you open right now.

I finished the bootcamp class that day and smiled as I walked out the door. God’s grace had helped me to finish the exercise class. I am so thankful I serve a God that cares about the little things in life as well as the big things we face. I challenge you to join me in thanking God for grace, opening the gift of grace and using it at work, the gym, at home and wherever you are. If God describes grace as abundant, surpassing, and sufficient, I think we should take note and enjoy this wonderful gift.