Effect

“But by the grace of God, I am who I am and His grace to me was not without effect”.

 1 Corinthians 15:10a

She said it was her life verse, and that without His grace she would be dead. Like countless others she had been ensnared by alcohol and drugs while numbing the pain of abuse. When you are lost in the deepest pit with no hope at all, and God finds you there with His love, it changes everything.

God’s grace is demonstrated to all of us the same way. Our hearts are set against the Creator of the universe and we rebel against the One to whom all things are in submission. Yet He did not pour His wrath out on us, but while we were still sinners, He sent His sinless Son to become sin for us and to surrender His life as a ransom for our own.

By the grace of God, we are who we are. We are a new creation, seen by our Father through the righteousness of Jesus. No longer are we enslaved to the prince of the power of the air, rather we are co-heirs with Christ. We are loved more than we can fathom. We are not alone, but adopted into His family. We have purpose, good works He has set us apart for. We have a hope and a future. Yes, He died, but He also rose and conquered death!

My friend knows in the deepest part of her being that every breath she breathes is a gift from God. It changes how she loves people and gives her a deep compassion for others.  It even enables her to forgive those who have wounded her. His grace to her was not without effect.

Has His great love pursued you? May your life forever reflect the effect of His grace given to you.

-Natalie Runyon