This morning in my devotional reading in Paul Tripp’s new book, I read this statement: “You don’t wait for grace and then do what God has told you to do. You get enabling grace in motion.” (i) It was the first statement I read and I could have put the book away and chewed on that all day.

Here are some excerpts from November 11:
“God’s grace provides everything you require. God’s grace is form fitted for your moment of need. God’s grace is multifaceted and expansive, but also focused and personal. God in grace, doesn’t just forgive you, he also empowers you to do what he called you to do. But he gives you his grace as you follow him and at the moment when you need it…It has always been hard for the people of God to rest in the reality of grace in motion.” (ii)

Oh, this is so good. Let’s face it. Many of us are inclined to wait until we FEEL forgiving, FEEL generous, FEEL like serving, FEEL right about what God has called us to do before we step out and do it. Tripp’s reminder is we need to step out in faith and as we step out, God’s grace will be there. It takes FAITH. We get grace in motion.

Tripp illustrates this from the story of Moses and the Israelites as they are trapped between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea. You can read it in Exodus 14. He concludes, “What he (God) does not do is tell them what is going to happen beforehand. Why? Because He is working in them, as he works in us, to craft them into people of robust and sturdy faith. He calls them to follow, and he willingly unleashes his grace as they do.” (iii)

What area of your life have you been standing on the shore waiting for God to pour out His grace so you can cross the sea? God is ready to “unleash his grace” as you step out in obedience. Yeah, you’re right, it takes faith. Then have faith in the Creator, Sustainer, and Lover of your soul. He will not let you down.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick. In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John for 30 years. She has 2 adult children, 4 grandchildren, 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 11 in all. She delights in reading and teaching, but mostly in laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.

i Paul David Tripp’s new book, “New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional” November 11
ii Ibid
iii Ibid

Would you consider being a part of our STAND IN THE GAP campaign for 2015? Our goal is 1,000 people that will partner with us for January, February, and March, which are some of our toughest financial months. Each STAND IN THE GAP partner will make one $25 gift each month for 3 months in addition to their normal giving. This will bring in $75,000 towards our first quarter expenses. This is perfect for partners that already give or for people that would like to give but cannot make a long term commitment. Sign up today at http://www.americaskeswick.org/support/help-now/stand-in-the-gap
Thank you in advance for your partnership. Come STAND IN THE GAP WITH US.