"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4.16
Towards the end of this evening’s sermon Glenn asked, “Are we willing to receive God’s grace in the form he provides it?” It is so easy to come to God assuming that his grace has to take the form of the outcome we already want. Glenn likened this to going to a doctor and telling her exactly how she needs to treat you instead of trusting her to provide what is best. Along similar lines, a good friend of mine asked me if I truly want what God has for me, or if I’d rather him just “baptize” my existing plans. Glenn’s question, his analogy and my friend’s challenge all expose my pride problem. I struggle to let go of my desires, my plans. I think I know what’s best for me, who to marry, what career to pursue, how to spend a Tuesday evening. I can’t imagine that there could be a better way or that someone could be wiser than I am. This is where I need to change, trust that God’s way is better and pursue his ways. However, this can easily lead back to the same problems. There certainly are some things that God reveals to us (most frequently in scripture), and we should pursue those things whole-heartedly. However, at the same time, and in very practical decisions, we can struggle to know which way is God’s way. In those places I have at times picked some goal, which I assumed to be God’s plan for me, and pursued it completely. I equally have been confused, and ending up doubting God, when those same goals and plans didn’t work out the way I had hoped. Instead of focusing on the way in which we will receive God’s gracious blessing, whether through means that are very obviously worldly or those that are spiritualized, we must draw near to God. He is the ultimate blessing that every other blessing points to. Knowing him is the greatest grace we can receive. Let us seek nearness, experience his goodness, and out of that, trust his graciousness towards us. Download the bulletin that goes along with this sermon's worship service.

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