If you want to be great in life, you’ve got to learn this:

Bible Verse(s):
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

Romans 8:37 (ESV)
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

John 14:12–14 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

Grace is often seen as a resource we rely on, hope for, when we are in trouble.
We need grace when we have sinned.
We need grace when we are experiencing lack.
We need grace when life feels overwhelming.

But there is another side of grace that we often overlook because we’ve only seen it as a safety net, not as a source of power. Peter reveals a powerful advantage those have who understand grace and how to apply it to their lives.

God didn’t create humanity to be broken down, beaten up, barely surviving in this life. He created us and came to save us that we might have life and life to the full. Here is the challenge: when we experience setback after setback and disappointment after disappointment, we can begin to set an expectation about life. This is dangerous. When we embrace a mindset of failure, poverty, or shame, we can begin to sabotage our destiny — our very purpose.

So, grace is supposed to free us from sin and sustain us through dark times. But that is not all there is. Grace is also given to empower us to achieve our God-given purpose. Grace is given to unlock the divine potential our Creator wove into the fabric of our being. When we learn to steward (manage and use) the grace of God available to us, we will begin to thrive in our gifting. You were made to serve others, and when you choose to serve others with your gifts you begin to align with God’s best for your life.

Grace in action is embracing the fullness of life as God intended.
Not just surviving — but thriving.
Let me say it this way: grace-ness is the key to greatness. All of us were created for greatness. When you understand who you are, whose you are, and the advantage of the always-available resource of grace, you will do great works for His glory. Grace works are great works!

Prayer:
Father God, thank you for giving me great kids. I am honored that you blessed me with strong, wonderful children who love you and are filled with amazing potential. I ask that as they grow and mature, they will get clarity on who they are in you and how you have designed them to fulfill a special purpose that no one else can accomplish. Thank you for making them into masterpieces. Let them thrive in your grace, becoming everything you created them to be. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.