Grace Notes: Graciously Strengthened
“So you, my son, be strong [constantly strengthened]
and empowered in the grace that is [to be found only]
in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2:1 AMP
Happy New Year’s, Dear Friend!
Another year has come and gone – and I have no idea how it passed so quickly. How about you? Do you feel like it moved speedily or slowly crept by…or a combination of both? Sometimes it leaves me feeling a bit weak and weary – in need of God’s constant strength. I need consistent time in Scripture to be reminded of who God is and of His promises, so I can remain grounded.
As we head into a New Year, I want to invite you to join me in reading through the Bible in a year. I’ve done this for several years, and each year I ask the Lord to refocus my eyes so my heart is refreshed and refined. It amazes me that, though I have read through Scripture many times, God reveals Himself in a new way each time I re-read His word. Sharing this journey with someone can bring encouragement and reassurance. So this year, will you join me in reading through the Bible so we can uplift and support each other in our walk with Christ?
Email me at graceisdawning@gmail.com and let’s start out the New Year together in God’s word. Together we will commit to reading daily, and trust that as we do, God’s strength will sustain us. We don’t know what the year ahead holds, but we can trust the One who does. He will give us the strength as we lean on His grace day by day.
In His Grace,
Dawn
Grace Perspective:
Paul knew a lot about the need for grace to be strong. He endured tough times of persecution, shipwrecks, imprisonment, and beatings, and was even left for dead after being stoned. He knew the physical and mental cost of sharing the gospel of grace. In his second letter to Timothy, the apostle encourages his son in the faith to be continually strengthened and empowered by the grace found only in Christ Jesus. Paul knew the road ahead for Timothy would be hard, often involving suffering and pain, so Paul encouraged Timothy to remember the strength and endurance God graciously gives to those who seek Him.
Paul reminds Timothy and us that this strength is not found in ourselves but in Christ Jesus. It is not self-reliance but faith in Christ Jesus, who graciously gives us the strength to face life’s challenges and empowers us to share the gospel of grace, even when life is hard.
A Touch of Grace:
When do you feel strong?
What are your weaknesses?
Grace Application:
My weaknesses remind me that I cannot rely on my own strength. Embracing this humbly opens my heart to God’s grace, encouraging me to depend on Him more fully each day.
When I get wrapped up in the worries of the “what ifs,” I lose focus on why I’m here, to serve Christ Jesus. I can quickly get sidetracked doing what I think is most important (usually what’s important to me) and forget that God may have another plan. When I’m busy following my list, I become cranky and tired. I need to be constantly reminded that Jesus is my source of strength. He is ready to strengthen me, but I have to humble myself to receive His grace each day.
Gracious Prayer
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious Name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, thankful that You give me the grace to be strong. Forgive me for thinking I can do life my own way and in my own strength. Holy Spirit, remind me that apart from You, I am weak, but in You, I receive all the strength and power I need to serve You. Help me to humbly depend on Your grace each day. Amen.
Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com