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It has been a tough couple of weeks. I have not been walking with the Lord as I should, and remarkably, when that happens, I spend less time talking to Him and reading His word.
I knew that the end of this month was drawing near and I knew the commitment I made to blog at least once a month, but I just couldn’t sit down and write, probably because I’m struggling with the Lord right now. Then yesterday at church, I was thinking about God’s grace and that if I was blessed by it, why was I feeling like sloth rather than a cheetah?
As I wallowed around in my own personal mud that I have been stuck in for awhile, I kept thinking about God’s grace. The remarkable grace He has shown each and every one of us. But as I sat there and thought about God’s grace, I had thoughts like, if you have such grace, what’s going on right now?
I know I’m saved because of His grace, but what about day to day? How is His grace affecting me as I walk through each 24-hour period? There has to be more than just saving my wretched soul. God is relational. He made me that way and His grace has to affect us each day, doesn’t it? Day-to-day grace has to be more than just a sweet sound.
Grace, it does sound great as it rolls off the tongue. Maybe that’s why so many people name their daughters Grace. Without really even thinking about it, I can think of three Graces I know. One of my best teacher friends and two of my students are named Grace, and I’m sure if I put some thought into it, I could come up with many more. That’s nice, but it doesn’t really help me get unstuck.
So I looked up the definition of grace. The secular definition according to Webster is “courteous goodwill.” C’mon, it is so much more than that. So I looked up the Christian definition on Christianity.com: “God’s benevolence on the undeserving.” I can’t argue with that, but it seems so far removed from me. What I mean is, I would never be in a conversation with my brother and go, “Grace is God’s benevolence on the undeserving.” I kept digging.
Preacher and author John Stott said, “Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.” Author Max Lucado put it beautifully when he said, “Grace is God’s best idea. His decision to ravage a people by love, to rescue passionately, and to restore justly – what rivals it?” St. Augustine believed grace is God’s love and favor toward us that we do not deserve, but is made available to us. There are so many more that have ideas on God’s grace, but I think I’ve got what I need to get me unstuck from this muck and mire that has been bogging me down the past few weeks. Grace is an umbrella.
I know you think I’ve slipped off the deep end. Some of you that know me may think that’s right, but let me explain before you quit reading. What does an umbrella do? It protects you from getting wet, or it provides much-needed shade from the sun. Either way, when you are under an umbrella, you are protected from the elements.
Yes, grace rescued me and I am undeserving of it, but beyond that, God’s grace is my umbrella. Grace is everything God is, all rolled into one package: love, hope, kindness, defender, and on and on. He not only saves us with it, He also protects us from the elements of the world with it. As long as we are walking under the grace umbrella, things will be okay. Sure, sometimes the rain is harder than other times, but with that grace umbrella, we will make it through the storm.
Of course, if it’s pouring and you walk out from under the umbrella, you are going to get wet. Worse if you close the umbrella, or don’t even bring that umbrella with you. Well, you won’t just get a little wet, you’ll probably get soaked. We can’t do that umbrella’s job for it. We can put our hands over our head and run from our car to the building, but we are still getting wet. Our hands just can’t do the job.
As these thoughts ran through my head, I realized I had walked out from under the grace umbrella. God was still right there, but I’ve been running around with my hands over my head, trying futility to avoid the drops, when all I had to do was get back under the umbrella. What that looks like for you and me may be different based on how far from under the umbrella we’ve gone.
Heck, there have been times in my life that I’ve closed up the umbrella and put it in a closet, or shoved it under the seat of my car. Funny thing is that umbrella is always there, just waiting for me to open it back up. Thankfully this isn’t one of those times. I just need to step back under God’s marvelous grace umbrella.
Get back to talking to Him, reading His word, searching for His voice. All of these things I know are under that grace umbrella, that umbrella that allows me to experience peace in the midst of the storm around me. Instead of using my hands to try and cover my head, fold them in prayer or raise them high to the heavens. Whatever it takes to get me back under the umbrella.
So my challenge for all of us is to enjoy God’s grace fully. It’s all of Him rolled up into one fantastic umbrella, and it is our protector in this crazy world. Until next time, stay dry.
It’s so easy to get bogged down in the muck and mire of our daily existence. Thank you for the reminder that we all walk this road, and His grace is ever-present regardless.
Yes we do, thanks Steph.
Thank you Noah. This spoke directly to my heart this morning.
Fantastic as expected. I even thought of how when it rains hard we pull the umbrella closer to our head to keep dry. Pulling God closer in the midst of the storm so that he can protect us more.
Good point mom!
Great read, thanks!
What an amazing way to think of God’s grace. There are so many times that I have literally said, “man, I sure could have used an umbrella, I really should keep one with me.” It brings a whole new meaning to me now and I realize there are many times I too have stepped out from under that umbrella of God’s grace, but it’s never too late to take cover in his love and forgiveness. Thanks, Noah, needed to read this today.
Glad you enjoyed it! Miss you guys!
The desire for excellence is one we should all aspire to. This one not only speaks to the believer but to the non-believer as well, if only they will have ears to hear. Your relatable imagery is superb. This not only speaks to all who read it but vividly reveals your growth in our Lord. He has given you a gift, not only to write, but an ability to simplify his life changing message. I am so proud to know you as my son, as a man, and as a man open to seeking all that God has for him and one willing to use God‘s gift to bless others.
Thanks dad!