Grace Period Life
We’ve all been there. Missed a due date, and now we are in the grace period. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen often. Hopefully, we aren’t paying all our bills in the grace period, but sometimes that happens, too. I was struck last evening that if you are in a season where you are behind, you are quite literally living on grace. That grace period life is not a comfortable place to be – just ask anyone affected by the shutdown, high grocery prices, a loss, or some other thing that has caused them to fall behind.
Paying Early
I’m someone who likes paying early so that it’s not on my mind. If I had my druthers, I’d pay every bill the moment it arrived. No extra space in my head needed. It makes me feel secure, less stressed, and confident. On the other hand, when I’ve had to dip into the grace period or beyond, it adds a tremendous amount of stress to my existence. That thought made me think about Jesus.
Paid In Full
Jesus did that for us. He paid in full two thousand years ago. Our debt, so large that it cost his life, was wiped out before any of us living were even born. I don’t have to worry that the bill for my sins is coming due, and I can’t pay it. There is no sin IRS knocking down my door for the taxes owed on my transgressions. My life isn’t forfeit – it’s been redeemed. I didn’t even have to get the bill. Jesus already paid in full. And now I’m living a grace period life. I haven’t paid the bill, but I’m also not being hounded for a payment I didn’t have.
At a time when so many people are struggling with loss from hurricanes, typhoons, jobs, loved ones, and stability – we can stand firm on the faithfulness of a God who didn’t require us to pay, but saved us through His grace.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9Â Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
Be Blessed and Keep Thriving!
Amen!