For the past weeks I’ve been thinking about a thought provoking question (well atleast for me):

“If God’s grace meant only you being saved and nothing more, would you still praise him?”

To paraphrase it, “would you still worship him even if He doesn’t help with your decisions, work and protection? Would you still worship him even if your health is degrading, finances squandered and loved ones suffering?

My theological and Christianese answer to this question, ofcourse, is a resounding: “YES!”

But here is the difficulty. As I ponder on the question I realized that it is way above me and my experience cannot give me the write to say that I’ll answer Yes. After all, I was not there when your dad left you, or your family business was bankrupt or when someone you loved died. Yes I think I, along (I think) with most of us our answer would be a long, loud: NO!

But lets drop the pessimism. The bible is very clear that God is abounding in love, mercy, kindness, faithfulness and grace. Ofcourse, we know that God does not leave something undone (Philippians 1:6).

God not only saved us from the death produced by sin but gives us also the identity, security, power, freedom and can meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. He personally made us right with Him, restored glory for Himself and gave assurance of eternal life for those who trust in His finished work.

Having realized these, why then do we need to consider the question? Why does it disturb me? What is it’s importance and how can I apply it?

Consider this: What can be greater than God giving his own Son? Not only gave but sacrificed and suffered for our sins, if he had given up His Son, how will he not also, along with him graciously give us all things?

The question above is not pessimistic at after all.

1)      It gives us unending reason to be grateful for what God has done, no matter where we are and what our situation is.

2)      In our times of trials, it can reveal the idols of our hearts. If God takes something from us and a “part” of us is lost and our faith is shaken, will we still worship Him? Will we consciously, decisively go back to the most gracious act that he had done? Will we acknowledge our “functional saviors”?

3)      It gives us comfort. Comfort that even if we fail and screw up, God would still accept us because of the grace he gave.

4)      It gives us security knowing that the imperishable things are secured and can never be taken, destroyed by the enemy, moth or rust.

5)      It gives us focus that despite all the trials, sufferings, victories and break throughs  we would still see God (and not the situations) knowing that in and thru it all he was there

6)      We would enjoy the “joy of His presence”

7)      It humbles us that we can’t do anything apart from Him.

In my pains and lacks; my body may revolt, my tongue may betray me, my friends may disagree and my emotions may cloud me; but let my spirit know and rest on these truths: that nothing I have really comes from me but is actually yours. You freely gave and you freely take away. That all our troubles are but momentary and you work for the good of the people who love you. That your purpose is sovereign and all in all, yes, deep down this regenerated spirit testifies with the Spirit that I am yours and you are mine. Yes, O Lord, I acknowledge the pain, you are worthy to be praised. Grant me the grace to withstand the fire and come forth gold!I acknowledge that it is only by your grace that I can get through this God.