Empowering Grace


EMPOWERING GRACE

By:  Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

“God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes, or the mountains fall into the sea, even if the oceans roar and foam, or the mountains shake at the raging sea.” - Psalm 46:1-3 ICB

They say that peace is not the absence of a storm, but the presence of God in the midst of one. How we need the Lord’s presence, because a storm is raging in these last days.  The tide of evil is quickly rising, and the enemy would like nothing more than to paralyze us with fear. 

Beloved, I come with good news.  You may not feel strong enough to endure what lies ahead, but the strength we will need to endure does not come from ourselves, but by way of the empowering grace of God.

The power and grace that protected Daniel in the lion’s den and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace, will rise up at the appointed time for us, too.  We will be empowered to stand in an hour when others kneel. 

Are you worried about the days ahead, Beloved?  Let’s bring our fears to the Lord.

Father, apart from the Rock of Christ Jesus, everything around us is shaking.  We offer our fears in exchange for Your peace.  Just as we have faith that we are saved by grace, we have faith that You will empower us by grace.  No matter what we will face, we will face it with You.  Your strength will be made perfect in our weakness.

Holy Spirit, at the appointed time, rise up in us, so like Daniel among lions and the three in the furnace, we will stand firm, whether before the breath of lions or surrounded by flames.  

Lord, when the skies rumble, the ground shakes and the winds swirl around us, may we not fear.  And when dark clouds gather overhead, may Your grace lift our chins to Heaven, to look expectantly for our Savior.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

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