LET US THEN WITH CONFIDENCE draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16, ESV
Grace is the overflowing favor of God, a gift we do not deserve and whose presence is not withheld. Scottish Baptist evangelist and teacher Oswald Chambers said he is taking the grace of God now and that is why we pray. We ask God for help and for what we need.
In any conceivable condition, we receive God's grace, Chambers said, “Pray now; draw on the grace of God in any conceivable condition you may be in.” We look like and act like a broken dish or we have expectations of the people or circumstances we experience and toss out the version that doesn't add up. The condition is how we deal with the cracks in our lives and in other people. When something in our lives cracks or reveals imperfections, we need to draw on God's grace. God's grace is there when perfection ends or when we experience a gap in our expectations. Putting our expectations before God, who operates by grace, can lead to frustration.
On the one hand, Chambers said conceit is puffed-up pride. This false humility leads us to say, “No one owes us; I can do it on my own or I can't do it at all.” Now, what does it mean when he says, “growth in grace stops the moment I get huffed?” Huffed means to become annoyed, offended, indignant or resentful. It refers to a reaction of irritation, prideful sensitivity, or taking offense at circumstances or people. “Huffed” is another way of saying I am frustrated.
Frustration comes when we see a gap between our expectations of God and worship and the way people experience God's grace. How often do we complain about how people worship, including the music, rituals, or traditions they participate in? Or question the translation of the Bible people prefer to use? What books are people reading? And when we try to fulfill our expectations, we try to correct people, but attempting to “correct” people will lead to frustration.
Why, you may ask? We make our preferences more important than God's throne of grace. Only by God's grace can we experience God's presence, not by the “correct” way of worship. Our version of “correct” does not lead to God's favor. That can lead to performance and rules to try and earn God's favor. We do not deserve God's favor or presence, but he gave it to us as a gift.
When you see a crack, or something imperfect, that is when we need to draw on the grace of God. We can be in God's presence even in our own imperfection; He is not asking us to be whole before Him.
To grow in grace, then, form spiritual habits. Form habits that express what God's grace has done. Remember, we are not meant to worship the habit. When you worship the habit, God will disrupt the habit.
The first habit is recognizing God's provision, what God gave us to worship.
The second habit is humility, putting God's grace before your preferences.
The third habit is to stop complaining, which leads to frustration and dissatisfaction.
The fourth habit is to stand by your convictions, not your preferences.
The fifth habit is to pray now, drawing on God's grace.
Here are some examples from Scripture to draw on God's grace.
2 Peter 1:4-8: Make an effort to respond to God's promises and to supplement your faith.
Acts 24:16: Have hope in God and have a clear conscience before God.
2 Corinthians 4:6 and John 12:25: Walk in the light or mature in faith as you follow Jesus.
Ephesians 1:17: Ask God for spiritual wisdom and insight. ✲
