Photo by Jackson David on Unsplash
What happens when you make a mistake or disappoint yourself or someone else? Do you assume God is put out with you? Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. That’s why the backstories of those God commended in Hebrews 11 captivate me. Their fumbles showcase God’s amazing grace.
Examples of Grace
Jacob was a rascal. He deceived his father by pretending to be his brother. He cheated his brother out of the blessing. In fleeing to escape his twin’s anger, God appeared to him in a dream his first night out.
What would you expect God to say to someone who acted like Jacob?
“He [Jacob] had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord, and he said: ‘I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you’” (Gen. 28:12-15 NIV).
The Lord conferred the blessing and promise of Abraham onto Jacob. No chiding, no reprimand. Only grace.
- The whole world would be blessed through Jacob’s descendants.
- The Promised Land would belong to Jacob’s descendants.
- The Lord would be with Jacob and keep him wherever he went.
The timing of this gift astounds me.
God chose Jacob before he was born to inherit the blessing. Jacob did nothing to earn it. His bad behavior complicated his own life, but it didn’t nullify God’s grace.
The Faith/Grace Connection
Abraham, a man esteemed by Jews, Christians, and Muslims, also fumbled. He lied, calling his wife Sarah his sister to save his own hide. These actions landed Sarah in a pagan ruler’s harem. Twice.
God swooped in and rescued her. In one case, He spoke to the unbelieving king in a dream. In another He sent an uncomfortable disease to the king and his court.
The pagan rulers reproached Abraham and kicked him out of their countries. Instead of chiding Abraham, God pointed Abraham back to the promise. “Remember your calling. Look what I’ve promised.”
Remember Samson and Isaac? Or others? The flaws of those commended for their faith only highlight a gracious God. The faith of these ordinary people was revealed in their stumbles as well as their successes. They got up after their falls.
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again” (Pro. 24:16 NIV).
Grace to Ignite Our Faith
What about us? How should we respond when we blunder?
James 3:2 says we all stumble in many ways. It’s what we do after we stumble that sets people of faith apart.
Believers fall like other people. But they won’t fall away. True faith responds to God’s grace by getting up again. Faith is the believer’s response to grace.
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“When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.” (Ps. 37:24 NASB).
Writing about these people of faith in Little Faith, Big God showed me faith is the appropriate response to God’s amazing grace.
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What a clear explanation of the grace-faith connection! Thank you, Debbie!
Thank you, Bethany!
“The flaws of those commended for their faith only highlight a gracious God. The faith of these ordinary people was revealed in their stumbles as well as their successes. ” Amen! And encourages us today when we stumble.
Certainly encourages me, Joanne!
This stands out to me too: “The flaws of those commended for their faith only highlight a gracious God.” Grace for the flawed is such a gift for each of us!
Amen! Thanks, Lisa.
I used to beat myself up so much when I messed up. I finally realized that was a waste of time. I had to learn to confess it to God, accept His forgiveness, learn from it, and go on. It helps to realize those saints from the Bible weren’t perfect, either. I m so thankful for His grace.
Barbara, I think that is a learning curve most of us have to climb. Praise God for His grace to us when we fall.
Such a powerful message, Debbie! I have experienced the power of grace. I love how you said God’s people fall, but they don’t fall away! Great insight!
Thank you, Karen. So thankful for God’s grace in our lives.
Debbie, I love this so much! Your point about God appearing to Jacob and blessing him happened right after he messed up was so good. And you’re right. God didn’t reprimand him!
I also loved when you said, ” It’s what we do after we stumble that sets people of faith apart.” Because even after we get right with God … we still mess up.
Yes we do, Jerralea! How God dealt with the people He highlighted is amazing.
So thankful for God’s limitless grace towards me!
Me too, Lauren!
Debbie, what a great encouragement! I have shared this and especially the verses from Psalms and Proverbs with someone this morning. I’m so thankful for our faithful God. He is faithful even when we’re not!
Yes. So thankful for Grace! Thanks, Donna.
Debbie, you sure spoke on the heart of the matter here. With a resounding Yes! I am my own worst enemy. Praise God for his great grace and mercy. Thank you. Blessings.
Visiting you today from Recharge Wednesday #25
Thank you, Paula. Blessings to you!