Throne of Grace
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Whether I am standing at the start of a trail up to a high peak, the top of a steep ski slope, or the beginning of a new semester I always fear that I will not be able to complete the task ahead of me. As we look forward to the duties that we are faced with, they often appear impossible; and with good reason. In our fallen state we are incapable to accomplish the duties that God has laid before us. Yet, in that recognition we must also remember that God will grant us grace in our time of need.
First, it is necessary to understand that apart from God’s grace man is totally incapable. Man is unable not just to do what is good, but all things. “For in him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28) Beyond man’s dependence on God for life he is also dependent on Him to fulfill the commands of God. I am often reminded of the two cows in 1 Samuel 6 that had the privilege of returning the ark to Israel. The Philistines, wanting to see if the rats and tumors that their people had been plagued with were from God, sent the ark back on a cart pulled by these cows. They choose cows that had never before been yoked and had calves back home. This would ensure that the cows would only lead the ark back to Israel if they were directed by God. The cows, against their natural tendencies, pulled the ark straight up toward Beth Shemesh. No one would look at that story and say, “wow, look at how amazing the cows were.” No, the story shows the greatness of God; that he would use two ordinary cows to bring the ark of his glory back to Israel.
Are our lives much different? Who are we to say that we accomplish anything for the Lord? Just like the cows, we can only do what we do because the Lord is granting us grace and directing us against our sinful nature.
In thinking of our inabilities, however, we must not forget that God does grant grace. At times it might be hard to see what that grace is. We might even question if it will ever come. Yet, God grants us grace in His time. The Lord’s grace is never early, nor is it ever late. It is necessary to understand that His grace is sufficient for the moment in which He has given it. He will grant to his child what He needs to accomplish the task that is set before him, to compensate for his weakness, and to ensure the glory of God. The Puritan Thomas Brooks tells the Christian “…the mercy is surely thine, but the time of giving it is the Lord’s. Wait but a little, and thou shalt find the Lord comforting thee on every side.” (Thomas Brooks, Precious remedies against Satan’s devices, 170)
Because of his perfect timing and sovereignty we can come before the Throne of Grace with confidence; trusting that He will provide in our time of need.
Hmm…thank you Kelsey. Wonderful reminder. This goes very well with what God has been teaching me this week! Thank you!
Amen to that! The Lord, in His perfect timing, is always faithful in giving abundant grace to His children. For without Him, we are nothing (John 15).
Thank you for reminding me! =)
It’s interesting, the issue here: we are to rely totally on His grace, trust Him implicitly to work out all the details, and if we don’t we will face plant in the mud. But at the same time, we’re commanded to take action and “show our faith by our works” as James phrases it.
This paradox always intrigues me, and challenges me, but somehow, putting it into practice isn’t nearly so complicated. Somehow, when we are relying on God’s grace and strength, we finds oneself doing all the things that we are commanded.
It’s amazing and wonderful, but it’s also true and vital.
I like how Peter expressed it:
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”- 1 Peter 1:13-16
You don’t know how much I needed to hear that today, specifically today. Thank you so much!
Kelsey, thanks so much for these beautiful reminders. I need to hear this sort of thing so much right now; when the seemingly insurmountable mountain before God’s throne looms in front of me, it seems impossible to even get started. Yet, as Katie Marie so lovingly reminded me this week, God is loving toward us, and He does provide the grace and strength that we need.
It echoes beautifully with your post, Kelsey. Thank you so much for posting it.
God bless, and keep on keeping on.
Wow. Thank you for this wonderful reminder
I would also like to thank you for this reminder. Last Wednesday night our senior minister at church taught the Youth Group because our Youth Minister was on a mission trip in Honduras. This is exactly what he talked about. It is so wonderful to see how God is consistently reminding me of His prominence in my life.
-Bee-