Return to Article Index
Return to Audio Index
Grace Like Rain
I Did It My Way
“I want what I want when I want it.” It is the cry of a two year old and the more subtly hidden ambition of the corporate executive. In fact, no matter how hard we try to hide it, we all are invested in having life go our way. It’s unattractive but it’s true.
Which of us, given the right circumstances hasn’t used our charm, our talents, and our resources to bend a situation our way? Haven’t we all done what appears to be a magnanimous act, secretly knowing there was a bit of something in there for us as well? At times, we’ve exercised our “parental rights” as an excuse for laziness, demanded our fair share in marriage, and tooted our own horn. We’ve all been impatient, critical, quick to judge, and shamelessly self-indulgent. It’s hard not to.
With our sinful nature in full agreement, this world’s economy teaches us things like this: “Look out for Number 1,” “God helps those who help themselves,” and “The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.” These attitudes so permeate the air we breathe that we can base our whole lives on them thinking they make complete sense.
Life Upside Down
It should come as no surprise, however, that God’s way to the top is completely different. If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all. Mark 9:35 (NIV). In God’s economy the way up is down, to be great you must become the least, to receive you have to give, to gain you must lose, and to live you must die.
Where do you and I get the courage, the wisdom, and the grace to live that kind of upside-down life?
The Humble Get Grace
Grace. I love grace. I need grace, grace like rain. However, like most things in the kingdom of God the gift of grace comes to us in an unexpected way.
But He gives a greater grace, therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” James 4:6 (NASB)
I may want what I want when I want it. And when I live the world’s way, going for the gusto, pushing my own agenda, fighting and clawing my way to the top – it may seem like a good idea but I will be opposed by the living God.
However, when I distrust my natural instincts, admit my helplessness, realize that I don’t know the future, that I can’t accurately choose what is right in light of eternity, and when I choose the downward path – grace comes.
God’s Unlikely Path
God gives grace to the humble. Humility is an irresistible magnetic force for God’s divine intervention.
If we really want to rise to the top, to experience the best, and to be filled with peace, love, and joy, if we want grace like rain, we must constantly remind ourselves of this unlikely truth: to get more grace, take the low place.
Listen to audio “Grace Like Rain” & Learn:
Hear the fascinating true story of two great leaders, their world-shaking intersection, and the benefits of the upside-down world of grace. Learn how to experience more of God’s grace in your finances, relationships, parenting, and your heart.
- Compare and contrast pride and humility
- Learn the place of faith in grace
- Discover full and free living
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Other Great Articles You May Enjoy:
Transformational Love
Imitation of Christ
It’s All About Me - Or Is It?
The Beauty of Christ
Grace Like Rain
Hold Fast
Desiring God
Power to Love
Jesus Loves Me
Life Out of Control
God’s Purpose for Your Life
Faith First
Enjoy Christ
