By Stacy Lattsaw Jackson

The challenges of life we often face at times can cause us to become weary and discouraged. But what we must always remember is that God never promised us a life free from trails and tribulations. He did promise us in His word that He would never leave us nor forsake us. The grace of God is an amazing gift that He freely gives us; it cannot be earned. When we look at 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9, it talks about Paul, who had a thorn in his flesh. “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.” Paul continues, “…and He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” God gave Paul the grace to endure.

The grace of God sustains us in times of distress. During these times, we must look to God in earnest and sincere prayer. When we do this, we obtain grace in the form of help in every time of need. Grace here evidently refers to assistance from God –His ability to do in us or through us what we cannot do ourselves. I remember years ago I used to have a very bad habit of biting my fingernails. I used to pray and pray and ask God to take away the habit. One day, I don’t remember when it actually happened, but God took it away. I am truly convinced that the grace of God is amazing. If you find yourself with a bad habit, something you just cannot seem to stop doing on your own, I encourage you to begin to ask God for His grace that you need to overcome it.

Hebrews 4: 16 says, “Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Grace releases in us supernatural strength when we’re going through the storms of life. Grace ignites within us determination to keep going on no matter what. Grace echoes in our spirit that God is with us at all times. Grace assures us that God is in control. Grace is all about God’s provision, strength and help. Whatever you may be going through, remember God’s grace is sufficient and His grace will enable you to stand against anything that comes your way. Always remember there is nothing that you can do to earn the grace of God, you just simply receive it.