Gratitude for Grace
Wed. April 23, 2025
Scripture: Ephesians 2:4–5 “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
Reflection Friends,take a moment to breathe deeply and slowly. Quiet your heart and think about this phrase, “When we were done, God made a new way.”
We tend to think grace is something we receive when we’ve tried our best but fell short. But Paul reminds us that grace doesn’t wait at the edge of effort, grace shows up at the edge of death. We weren’t just struggling, we were spiritually dead when God stepped in. God didn’t demand perfection, God gave us resurrection.Grace doesn’t come when we have something to offer. Grace comes when we have nothing left.Rememberwhere you were when grace found you. Do you remember your, BUT GOD moment. What wounds are you hiding that God might want to use to bring healing to others?
Peter denied Jesus at His most vulnerable hour. Yet Jesus didn’t cast Peter aside He restored him and re-commissioned him. Jesus used Peter’s brokenness as a foundation for future ministry.Can you name a time when God turned your failure into something He can use.
Friends we can rest in the truth that “By grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” —Ephesians 2:8. You don’t have to earn grace. You just have to receive it. And when you do, the only response that makes sense is gratitude.
Gratitude that leads to love. Gratitude that leads to service. Gratitude that leads to worship.
Consider This: Each day this week, write down one moment of grace you’ve received and one act of gratitude you can offer in response. It could be forgiving someone, encouraging a friend, or simply saying thank you more than you usually do. Live like someone who’s been rescued, because you have.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for meeting me in my brokenness, for loving me when I was at my worst, and for calling me into new life. Remind me today that I am grace-made, not self-made. May my life be a reflection of Your mercy. Use my wounds for Your glory and my story for Your purpose. Amen.