I sometimes think my Mom taught me about GRACE while I was still in the womb. I can just imagine seeing her caress the bump that was my first home, saying: “Jimmy, God Loves You!”

Living and growing up in a Pastor’s home, I certainly knew the word. I memorized the scriptures. I could quote all the common definitions and popular acrostics like: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

Unfortunately, my experiential understanding and application of GRACE was SHORT-SIGHTED. I could accept and live in His GRACE when I felt deserving of it – or, if I knew I was coming into a time of desperate need of it. And pursued it.

It was in my times of personal failure that I seemed to lose my awareness of His GRACE. When I felt I was failing to “live up to my potential.”  Or when “my best” seemed to fall short.

It was always easy to see GRACE working for me when life was smiling. But where was GRACE in the dark? When I needed it the most, why did God and His GRACE seem to hide in the shadows? What cruel God liked to play Hide’nSeek with me?

Slowly, I’ve come to learn that GRACE doesn’t depend upon my… my… my… Hmm, D’ya know what, GRACE doesn’t depend upon ME… AT ALL!

I depend upon (His) GRACE!!
All Day, Every Day!