We used to have a friend who had a sometimes difficult husband (he was lovely really!) and we would ask her how she coped with him? Her response was always the same – she prayed for ‘more grace’ each day.

When people and situations become challenging it can become very discouraging. This can become magnified if these issues either multiply or continue for any length of time. Most of us experience periods in our lives where everything that can go wrong does go wrong (we’ve all been there!) Perhaps you are experiencing one such period right now. Perhaps the problems and challenges are piling up. Perhaps someone in your world is literally ‘giving you hell.’

The writer to the Hebrews encourages us to consider Jesus’ example;

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses……let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Jesus, endured both opposition and the cross in order that He would experience the joy of resurrection and the salvation of mankind that awaited Him. He kept His focus ahead towards all that God had promised. His focus was upon the joy that was to follow the opposition, challenges and suffering.

So if you’re feeling discouraged today, can I encourage you to consider all that Jesus experienced and perhaps ask for more grace. I’m sure Jesus Himself, in those early mornings and times away from the crowds, must have requested ‘more grace’ from His Father. He didn’t just tolerate the demanding crowds, the judgemental Pharisees and the, at times, thoughtless and misunderstanding disciples. He also found fresh grace each day to love them, teach them and care for them.

Thank God today, in the midst of all you face, in the midst of sometimes graceless, thoughtless people and discouraging circumstances and situations, that His Grace is sufficient for all that you face today….

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

I’ve written more about grace. You can check it our here

Prayer

Thank you Father that in all I face today and every day, that your grace is sufficient for me. I bring before you all my challenging people and difficult situations. I ask for more grace and I forgive all those who are making my life difficult right now. Father bless them. I choose to delight in my weaknesses in order that your grace and incredible favour might rest upon me and in my weakness I ask you to supply me with fresh enthusiasm, energy and strength for the life you have given me. Help me to be a blessing to others today in spite of all I face. In Jesus name. Amen

 

IMAGINE

If you’ve enjoyed this post you might like to check out my book entitled ‘Imagine.’ It is all about trusting God based on the amazing promise in Proverbs 3:5-6. I’ve shared from my own experiences and personal journey the lessons that I’ve learned about trusting God. It has truly been an amazing journey of discovery of trusting God like never before and living like never before!

Imagine is available here

Recent Amazon reviewers said, 

“This is an incredibly powerful book written as if the author is chatting to you about his own life, struggles and experiences during his ongoing walk with God. It is a very real and honest book with bible verses to back up what the author is sharing about. Personally this book is having a big impact on me and my faith in God. I would recommend to anyone to buy this book if you want to deepen your relationship with God at whatever stage you are in your walk. Imagine the impact this book could have on your life….”

“Imagine is a brilliant read and it is challenging too. Using Proverbs 3:5-6 as the central scripture and Simon Lawton’s personal journey, the important issues of trust and faith are discussed in depth. It’s easy to read, enjoyable and has really helped me think long and hard about God’s calling for my life and how I can trust Him with so much more. Well worth reading, whether you are exploring or are new to the Christian faith, or if you have been a Christian for years – there’s something in this book for everyone. Highly recommended.”

“I have bought this book both on kindle and paperback. It is definitely worth owning one. Apart from my bible, it’s my most read and re read book which is underpinned with the word of God. The authors shares personal experiences, which backs up what’s been said. It’s true to life, and is very simple to read but extremely powerful. It’s a reminder of God’s love for us, and His Fatherly promise to be with us through the storms of life.. we only need to trust in God no matter what life throws at us.. I highly recommend this book and the bible study which is in within the contents of the book. It’s going to be my home groups next study.. A word in season.”

Why not grab a copy now! Imagine is available here