Grace Under Fire

“And God [is] able to make all grace abound to you, that you always having all sufficiency in all [things], may have an abundance for every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV

Often when we seek God or commit to study His Word, we may find our pursuit seems to open us up to chaos. As we make spiritual progress we will meet opposition.

It may appear that we lose more than we gain.

But by God’s grace we are empowered and not overcome.

Through God’s love for us we can receive and exhibit “grace under fire.”

Like soldiers we may face grenades, a hail of bullets, or even sniper fire.

Some attacks are large like a failed relationship or the death of a loved one. Others are like a hail of bullets, smaller shots that in combination cause great distress…deadlines to meet, financial struggles, or family obligations that collectively wear you down.

And then there is “sniper fire.” Those situations that come of of nowhere! The IRS bill after you depleted your savings on a house. The child you raised is now a stranger. The medical results are not good. One day you’re financially responsible and the next you are unemployed.

Our God does not guarantee a life without trials.

However, we are provided the grace that we need. Not just for eternity, but right here and now.

For every attack, God provides the body armor we need. It is our responsibility to put it on! 

Bullet-proof vests don’t stop the shooter. Yet, the vest keeps the bullets from penetrating.

God’s grace prevents our trials from penetrating us! 

We may be surrounded but not overcome. God’s grace gives us what we need to stand our ground.

We exhibit grace when we do not rant, rave, curse and complain during our crisis. We pass the test and mature when we are respectful and peaceable in the worst of circumstances.

How do you treat people the heat is bearing down?

How we react under fire demonstrates how much faith we have in God and not ourselves. Resolving to be civil, sane and even to bless others in the midst of our trials not only glorifies God but builds us into the people He created us to become.

The next time you face a crisis, are you going to put on the whole armor of God with grace, or will you let a temporary situation rob you of a permanent blessing?

God gives the grace we need to pass every test. Like the armor of God, we just have to pick it up and put it on!

“Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11 NKJV

 

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

17 comments

  1. Thank you so much my friend for reminding me that I’m wearing a bullet-proof vest…the hail of bullets keep coming but I’m still standing, thanks to the grace of God and beautiful posts like these…God bless you Lilka ❤

    Like

  2. Lilka – love this post! Cruised down to add a comment and spotted your reply to Lionel: “Thanks Lionel. I’m just trying to walk it out! :)”

    Now that … that is superb!! 😄😄😄

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  3. Lilka, thank you for this very powerful devotional/message. Even though we are not exempt from trials and attacks, God provides all we need to stand strong. Thank you for this reminder. As the previous commenter mentions, “you are a great vessel for the LORD”
    Blessings, Carl 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much Carl. I appreciate the encouragement. It hadn’t been my intent to post anything tonight but His timing not mine.

      When I write God ministers to me so I’m glad I can pass along the message.

      Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. It motivates me to continue when I sometimes sit down and think “just what am I doing writing a blog exactly?”

      Your kind words are VERY much appreciated! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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