Grace Unlimited
My mind finds it difficult to conceptualize large amounts of things. Recently, I felt challenged to reflect on the largeness of God. I’m sure this was a remedy to squall some anxiety that had crept up. What better way to adjust the scale of my problems against God’s grandeur.
Some facts I found:
There are approximately 200 billion trillion stars in the universe. This is a hard number for me to grasp but scientists equate this number to equal 10,000 stars per grain of sand on Earth.
Although scientists have observed and classified around 1.2 million species of animals, scientists estimate there are approximately 8.7 million living animal species on Earth. That means there are 7x more species yet to be identified!
These mind-blowing facts help me to remember that God is so large and has so much in His control. He set into a place an entire universe and knows everything happening and that will happen. Surely my [insert problem] is within His realm to handle.
While it is easy to rationalize God’s scale, the insight doesn’t always take the pain or discomfort away instantly. I’m overwhelmed at times. I feel I’m spinning a dozen glass plates at one time: with new parenthood being the heaviest, messiest one to juggle. I continually tell myself, and others, you can’t do it all, everyday. Ok today I did laundry, I’ll put the clothes away another day. Some days after work are more lounging than grind. In the moments where I need to dig deep for energy after a broken sleep night and an early wakeup for work, God has met me in that moment with extra strength. I have seen firsthand in this season, God is generous with His grace.
“‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Motherhood has been my greatest test and challenge yet. I need God’s grace spiritually, physically, and emotionally. As I look back over my life, there were other moments that at the time felt like my greatest challenge yet. This tells me greater challenges lie ahead. This revelation could be overwhelming but there is no point in worrying now.
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27)
Instead, I will trust that when new seasons come, God will provide the grace.
God desires a daily walk with us, a trusting relationship. He doesn't dole out all the grace we’ll need for our entire life at once. Each day I model my prayers after the Lord’s Prayer, asking for daily bread. Usually I ask for assistance in my work day ahead but in light of my recent reflections on the necessity of the unlimited grace, this is an opportunity to ask for the grace needed for the day.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3: 22-23)
Recently, God had to refresh my perspective on His grace; there are two outcomes. Either He takes the burden away or He gives you the strength to press through. This revelation came one morning as I was dropping Zuri off at daycare. The weekend prior, Vic was out of town working on home repairs to prep our house for sale. I watched Zuri Saturday and Sunday and she did not sleep great. I began to worry about another early morning of care ahead of work Monday. But, despite being tired himself, Vic did the early morning care and I was able to get some more rest. When he got home late Sunday, I didn’t ask him to help but he did. In the morning, he got Zuri ready for daycare and I dropped her off so he could sleep a bit more before work. I could see God’s grace in the situation. God's grace has taken many forms but many blessings have come from my husband, even as he is working full-time and stepping into his first management position. In prayer, I thanked God for His patience with me, and continued willingness to teach me lessons and make His grace clear in my life.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
While this scripture’s context references the Israelites entering into the promised land, my “them” could be anxiety, fear, work challenges or conflict.
This scripture provides comforting words in whatever season or scenario we find ourselves in. God is right there, He’s not going anywhere, and His grace is sufficient.
Sources:
https://www.astronomy.com/science/astro-for-kids-how-many-stars-are-there-in-space/
