Frustrating the Grace of God

Galatians 2:21a

2 Corinthians 12:9a

When it comes to the grace of God there is both a resistibility and irresistibility component…

Certainly, people have withstood and continue to withstand any work of the Holy Spirit in their life. The Greek word translated “frustrate” in the KJV means, “to set aside, to disesteem, ignore, neutralize, violate, or nullify.” We all have ample illustration of friends or family who demonstrate that regularly.

At the same time, we recognize that at the end of the day, God will have His way. He can do as He pleases. There is a moment His grace does conquer those who become born-again. It is true no matter your theological construct of the freedom of the will; everyone who is redeemed eventually caved (yielded) to the grace of God. For some of us, His grace was unrelenting and our silly wrestling match with the Almighty was overwhelming. We surrendered and He won.

In recent days, my mind has shifted to how the grace of God works in the believer. We surrendered to His saving grace that He initiated in our lives, but can we frustrate the grace of God as we journey with Him? If His grace is sufficient and His empowerment is more than enough, then why do so many stumble and lose heart?

I came to a conclusion…

I believe the grace of God is ever present for the believer, but there is still a response that believer must provide. God’s grace does not function as a marionette. He is not a puppet-master simply yanking invisible strings to make you obey or do what may need to be done. There is a door, so to speak, the believer needs to open which God’s empowering grace flows through.

That door is called by various labels…

Determination

Resolve

Persistence

Steadfastness

Fortitude

Grit

Tenacity

Faithful

I have faced my fair share of challenging, overwhelming moments. I have watched many people face their fair share as well. The difference between victory and defeat, overcoming or succumbing, appears to be the door of determination.

That doesn’t mean God’s grace assures the outcome scenario you wanted, but rather it assures you will get through to the outcome He wanted. And may I remind you…it’s all about the purposes of God, right?

Too many believers are throwing in the towel far too early…

Hebrews 10:35-38

I love the old, simple hymn that goes like this:

No turning back, no turning back.

No turning back, no turning back.

No turning back, No turning back.

No turning back, no turning back.

Let the grace of God do its work in you today. Renew your determination and watch what God will do.