And Yet Another Question

I've joined a Bible study group called Bible Study Fellowship.  It's a weekly group that meets around the Word of God for the next ten months.  I wasn't sure about a ten month commitment.  It scared the heck out of me to be honest.  But I am so glad I did.  It's only been about a month or so and it's a total blessing.  We are studying "Kingdom Divided."  This teaching digs into the time when the Israelite kingdom divided into two parts.  

So as I listened to this weeks lecture the question came up in my head, "In what ways do I reject God's grace?"  Tough question.  In this weeks lesson we saw God extend grace to both Elijah and King Ahab.  One, Elijah, was God's servant.  He zealously served the Lord to the point of exhaustion.  The other, King Ahab, was an evil king.  Disobedient, rebellious, idolater.  He did nothing to honor the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Yet God extended grace to both.  Elijah accepted God's loving care and was given new purpose.  On the other hand, Ahab accepted God's blessing, but refused to turn his heart to the Lord.

What is grace is a big question.  I've heard it explained as God's Riches At Christ's Expense.  It's also defined as God's unmerited favor.  It can be a big as salvation or as small God's intimate care of Elijah, with rest, food and encouragement.  

So, back to the question.  How do I, on a regular basis, reject this grace.  One of the ways I do it is through guilt.  Instead of accepting God's forgiveness for what it is, a gift from my loving Father, I feel the need to earn it.  It's the same with His love.  I feel I should be unloved because I am sometimes so unlovable.  I am rejecting God's kindness, His unmerited favor.  

In Hebrews 4:16 we are told, "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."  So many times I give into sin instead of running to the throne of God where I could find grace to help me stand strong.  I follow my flesh into what is unhealthy and sinful instead of following the Spirit to where I can find my strength

Lord, help us to accept and revel in the grace You so freely give.  You lavish Your grace and love on Your children.  Not just Your perfect children, but us fallen, failing, sometimes ugly children.  We are undeserving, but that's just what makes Your grace so amazing.  Thank You.  Forgive us when we don't accept this favor and love with gratitude.  And Lord, help us to never take advantage or take for granted Your grace, Your unmerited favor and mercy.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen. 

Examine yourself.   Are you rejecting God's grace?