The Will Of God And The Grace Of God

The will of God will not take us, where the grace of God cannot sustain us.
Billy Graham

It is not in God's character to set us up to fail. John 10:10 says that Jesus came that we might have life, even life abundantly. And so as we journey along this road of faith, relationship, ministry and leadership, we need to understand that the grace of God is with us to uphold us and sustain us.

I recently read Pilgrim's Progress for the first time. Through out the book Christian, the main character, finds challenges and difficulties. In some instances the internal conviction that God had developed in him helped him to overcome. Sometimes he was helped by a companion. There were times when God intervened directly.

In terms of Billy Graham's quote, there are two parts. The will of God and the grace of God.

The Will of God

On our journey, we have to be conscious of whether we are in the will of God. That is a deeper topic than we have time to explore today, but at its very foundation, you need to check two things:

1. How is my relationship with God? Have I been spending enough time with God so that I know his voice and have heard his voice recently?
2. How is my responsiveness to his guidance? Have I responded to his voice with obedience?

The Grace of God

If we are in the will of God, then there is grace to sustain us. That grace may be found in us taking a period of rest or a weekly Sabbath, to refresh ourselves. That grace may be found in the friendship or support of someone near us. That grace may be found in our praise, worship, prayers or thanks. That grace may be found in an opportunity to enjoy a loved one's company.

God's grace to sustain us is many and varied. It may be found in a Biblical principle that we have neglected,or it may be unique to you for this moment.

I honestly believe that God has you on his heart. He wants to walk with you in each and every circumstance of your life. Not just spiritual or ministry areas, but in your family, in your finances, in your business or job, in your health, in your friendships. He has not abandoned you, he is moving things around to bring about his kingdom in your life and world in a greater way. It is not always comfortable but it is always rewarding in the end. God's richest blessing on you.