Today’s 333 Devotional: “God’s Sustaining Grace”

It seems that many people are going through so much lately. It’s really unbelievable. It ranges from those with a wide variety of illnesses to those whose stress levels have reached so high they’re one tick away from a heart attack.

And let’s not forget about those whose emotions are out of control and are turning to drugs or alcohol for relief, or so they think.

People today are going through what some have called “The Ringer.” Maybe you can relate.

What we need to get us through to the end of this race, this journey called life is God’s sustaining grace.

The Apostle Paul brings this out in his letter to the Philippian Church.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

In his opening section, Paul gives what might be considered the distinguishing characteristics of a Christian, including a thankful heart, a consistent and joyful prayer life, loving fellowship with other believers, discernment combined with compassion, righteousness, and the confident assurance of God’s grace to see us through.

Paul said it was the Lord who began this good work, and He will complete it, making us more into the image of Jesus Christ until that day when we will be with Him.

When we open up our hearts and allow Jesus entry, then heaven will be our eventual home, and there is absolutely no doubt about it.

This is something Paul knew well and even used the analogy of a fight and race to reveal its truth.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8a)

Like Paul, we too can depend upon this promise, that when we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we’ll cross the finish line with heaven and an eternity with God on the other side.