Blogs
Rescue Unmerited
Thursday, June 11, 2020 by Barbara Higby
Let’s Talk about the “R” of Grace
Saved by grace—familiar words, that are important to acknowledge. I’ve been rescued from eternal death and I’m saved, but there’s more. I’ve also been (and continue to be) rescued from self, rescued in spite of self, and rescued to be a better self.
Rescued from Self
I’m not a multi-talented, innately wonderful, powerfully strong woman. Left to myself, I would tend to my needs, become reflective, turn reclusive, overeat, and drink a lot of coffee. Thank God, He rescues me from myself. He forces me out and faces me forward. I am ever thankful for the Holy Spirit’s prodding, directing, and correcting.
Lord, do not leave me to my own wiles, good ideas, or futile efforts. Rescue me again and again until your kingdom comes.
Rescued in Spite of Self
I suffer from failing to appreciate my blessings, from recurring sanctification setbacks, and from an attention-to-God-deficit. In spite of my resistance to surrender and self-protective tendencies, God rescues me. He sees my potential, not my inadequacies; He sees His plan, not my lack of initiative.
Lord, thank you for seeing me with eyes of love and not as I see myself. Thank you for ignoring my resistance. Please continue to rescue me with your persistent patience and faithful presence.
Rescued to be a Better Self
God clips my wings to fly better, prunes my leaves to produce better, and closes doors to show me a better way—always to make me better, more, greater—to make me more fruitful and more generous—to set me on good paths that lead to fullness and joy. What grace!
Lord, you are amazing! You never fail to rescue me and never tire of working in my heart. Keep at it, Lord—keep clipping and pruning and shutting doors. Sanctify my stubborn self and make me like Jesus.
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” (Ps 91:14)
He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. (Ps 18:19)
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