Not Without Effect

But by the [remarkable] grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not without effect.
1st Corinthians 15:10a AMP

Sometimes, life can be so great! Weddings and birthdays and celebrations of milestones in life are all wonderful, joyous events. Stressful, now and then, but still wonderful. However, sometimes the perceived demands of life can be overwhelming. The stresses of responsibilities, our jobs, what's going on in the world itself. All of these things affect us one way or another. 

As mere humans, when it's a negative effect, we lean toward buckling down, pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps, mustering up enough strength, trying to muscle our way through. Often, trying it in our own strength, we find we are not very successful. 

As Christians, we should turn to the only Truth we have - God's Word - where we are promised that His grace is sufficient for all we face (2nd Corinthians 12:9). And we are assured in Hebrews 5:15-16, that Jesus, This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most [emphasis mine].

John 1:16 tells us, Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given [emphasis mine]. His never-ending grace, an endless supply, grace upon grace so that we are able to love and forgive, to persevere, to serve, to be victorious overcomers... not in our own strength, but only by His grace. 

Prayer:

Father,
          It is Your amazing, remarkable Grace that saves us from the wrecked and wretched ways of the world! We are so grateful for the efficacy of Your Grace to us and through us to overcome sin. Thank You, Father, that it is not without effect. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen