resilience | lent devotions

“What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways! That person won’t walk in step with the wicked, nor share the sinner’s way, nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat. Their pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in the true revelation of light. They will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of their life. They are never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous.” Psalm 1:1-3, TPT

The ability to be resilient, to stand firm, and to root yourself deeply in God isn’t a natural one. This isn’t about summoning up strength, toughing it out or having a stiff upper lip. The ability to bend, to stand, and the power that comes to you when you do that, comes to us through a gift - a supernatural gift given to us all in equal measure by the Holy Spirit. And that gift is the gift of grace. 

The New Testament writers inspired by the Holy Spirit took an ordinary Greek word - charis - to describe grace and turned it into a word of profound theological and spiritual significance. So when charis is used it carries with it the reminder that God has favoured us and shown his kindness. But it also reminds us that the gift he has given us is supernatural and powerful because he is supernatural and powerful.

Let’s pray
Help me grasp the extent of favour and power you have given me; I want to live at the level of grace I have received. Help me to come boldly to the throne of grace, not just to obtain mercy, but also to receive power. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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