(4)But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, (5) made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (6) And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, (7) in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (8) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— (9) not by works, so that no one can boast.
~Ephesians 2:4-9~
On this Thanksgiving day, I stand in awe at the blessings that abound in my life—my loving family, my dear friends, my church and its commitment to show God’s love and teach truth, and so much more. But of all the blessings, I’m deeply grateful for God’s great love and His gift of grace.
You see, it is through God’s great love and His gift of grace that I find hope—a hope that nothing can separate me from the love of God through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38); that I am saved by grace, through faith, and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9); and that God’s inheritance kept in heaven for those who trust in Jesus can never perish, spoil or fade (1 Peter 1:4).
I give a heartfelt thanks that God doesn’t give up on me, especially in my not-so-pretty moments and seasons. As I look back on my life, I see much evidence of God’s unfailing love for me and His beautiful grace, even during those times when I was distant from Him.
My testimony of faith in Jesus is one of ups and downs. It’s not perfect, and yet, God’s love and grace is perfect in the midst of it. He’s always been there for me, and He has been so good to me.
During the last few days, a song called “Forever Reign” by One Sonic Society has been playing over and over in my head. The lyrics remind me of God’s goodness and his great love and grace:
“You are good, You are good
And there’s nothing good in me
You are love, You are love
On display for all to see
You are light, You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope, You are hope
You’ve covered all my sin”
And so today, I proclaim as the psalmist did, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADuWzd7x25c]
