Grace Sets the Pace

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV).

I prefer to work ahead with my writing. I went to bed last night knowing I didn’t have a devotion prepared to post today, but decided to stay in bed until 8:00am anyway. I’m normally up and at it by then, even on my day off. Despite a critical thought or two, I knew I needed to rest. I also knew that God’s grace says it’s okay for me to choose rest when I need to.

I watched a brief video earlier this week and Lisa Harper reminded me of an important truth: rest was part of God’s original design/plan, even before the fall. I’ve been pretty committed to giving the Lord time on Friday mornings to write, but one thing I’ve learned over the last couple of years is this: sometimes it’s okay to let grace set the pace.

You have a to-do list, but it can wait. Work is busy and they need you, but it’s okay to take a day off. You’ve made plans with a friend, but it’s okay to take a rain check on a commitment.

I’m not suggesting we run away from commitments or responsibilities we have. We aren’t called to live that way, but I do want today to be a reminder that grace is one of God’s greatest gifts.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

It’s a free gift, so it levels the playing field. Grace doesn’t keep us from running the race. It’s actually the reason that we can. But we also need rest. Remind yourself of that truth today, and, when needed, allow grace to set your pace.

#christ #ephesians #thenarrowpath #faith #jesus