Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.
I believe with my whole heart that I was placed on this earth to make Jesus famous.
Because His grace has saved me.
Over the past several weeks I’ve been studying the lives of some Biblical characters. I relate to these people.
How about the woman at the well? As a Samaritan woman, she drew her water in the heat of the day. Was it to avoid those who looked down on her? Jesus approached her there anyway. He already knew of her sin filled life. He spoke of it once and never mentioned it again. He didn’t quote her a bunch of Scripture to show her how awful she was. He didn’t beat her down. He lifted her head and reminded her that the living water would come from the only source that never runs dry – Jesus! He sent her on her way with a song in her heart. Oh Lord, give me the grace to treat people like that – even those who have committed many sins.
How about the woman caught in adultery. There she was in the city square surrounded by her accusers carrying stones intended to kill her. But when Jesus stepped between her and her accusers, he requested them to drop the stones. One by one from the oldest to the youngest they dropped the stones and walked away. The woman was left with the only thing she would ever need – Jesus.
Then there is Zacchaeus – the chief tax collector. Probably like a modern day drug lord or pimp. He was a bad dude. But someone told him about Jesus so he made his way to the city to try to get a glimpse of him. He couldn’t see over the heads of the people waiting for Jesus to pass by so he climbed a sycamore tree. Jesus sought him out and approached him in the tree. He knew every sin this man had ever committed. Did Jesus ever mention them in Scripture? NO! He only asked him to come down and go have lunch with Jesus. Time with Jesus changed this man’s heart. It has changed mine too.
Oh the Grace of God! So loving and so merciful toward the worst of the sinners. Including me!
Today I pray that whatever you are going through you’d hear my heart. God wants to pour mercy and grace over your life. He does not condemn you. He isn’t keeping score. He desires you to draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.
Oh the stories I could tell of my own encounters with Jesus on the many detours off the road he set out for me.
Oh the stories I could tell of the wonderful ways He showed me out of the dark places of my sin and into the glorious light.
Oh the stories I could tell of the powerful love I feel when I sit down and spend time with Him in the study of His Word.
Oh how I want that for you my friend!
God Bless Your Heart with freedom because of Amazing Grace.
Gigi
This blog post is a part of Renee Ann Smith’s “Come to the Table” blog tour. Check it out at www.ReneeAnnSmith.com