We all can come up with pretty good example of what we know power is. There are even different ways that power can be defined. Whether that’s the power we hold over another, the power of great force or strength and the power to do the right thing against all odd. Either way, we all know what power looks like. But what about the power that isn’t always right in your face. Power that doesn’t look like power at all. That is the greatness of God. We all know the splendor, wonder, might of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible is littered with all his mighty acts that we should definitely take notice of. We can find comfort knowing we serve an all knowing and all powerful God. But we can also take comfort in knowing that displays of his strength does not just in how mighty he is, but in his mercy and grace. (Ephesians 2:4-5 – But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved.)
Lets take a step back and ask, what is grace and what is mercy? Mercy is not punishing us for our sins that we have committed. Mercy when you really think about it is a huge test of will power. For God knows we are sinners and does not count our sins against us. He knows all the wrong we have done and will do and he does not hold our fault against any of us. He holds back his judgement and does not condemn us. (Psalm 34:22 – The Lord redeems the soul of his servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.) Grace is such a gift because it shows the heart of God. He shows his love , kindness, blessings (material or spiritual) towards us , in spite of what we’ve done. Grace is when God still blesses us even when we do wrong. The Lord extends grace that we ourselves can extend to others as well. We have all felt undeserving and God is daily reminding us that we are His children and are deserving to share in his grace and mercy. God’s power of restraint and generosity towards us, is something we need to see more of each and everyday when we ourselves decide to demonstrate God’s kindness. Because the Lord demonstrates these acts of power towards us so that we can extend that to others. That power is significant.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I will hope in Him.” – Lamentations 3:23-24