"If not for the Grace of God"

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.  Romans 8:34

I was talking to my mother a few days ago and telling her about a situation with one of my football players I have been dealing with. My mother has always loved me being a football coach and, although she does not always understand the many aspects of my job, is always able to give good advice. I was telling her about a young man who has been an issue for me since the first day we met. He has made a few bad decisions that have lead to several problems for him at home and at school. I was explaining my dilemma to my mother about whether or not to keep him as a member of our team or not. I explained that the easy decision for me would be to tell him he is no longer on the team and have one less problem to deal with, but I am hoping his being involved with a team will be what helps to change his life. There is an old saying among coaches that goes, “Some young men need football more than football needs them”. This is definitely the case with this young man. As my mother and I were saying goodbye from her visit, she asked me for the young man’s first name. I told her his name and she said, “If not for the grace of God, that could be me”.

The following day, while in the church service, the pastor asked for prayer for a young girl who has been diagnosed with cancer that has attacked most of her body. A picture of this little girl was shown on the screen and I immediately thought about my daughter, Sydney Love. I wrote on the back of a piece of paper, the little girls name and Sydney Love’s name and said to myself, “If not for the grace of God”.

My life has been full of God’s grace and I was never more thankful for it than at that moment. As I listened to the sermon, I quietly prayed within my mind and thanked God for His unending grace. I also prayed for the little girl who is suffering from a horrible illness. I prayed for God’s grace to be poured on her. I also prayed for her parents. I prayed for the dad, who loves his girl as much as I love mine, and is dealing with the frightening thought of losing her. I pray God will remind him of the grace of God that is present even in her hospital room.

Pray today and thank Him for His grace that is ever present in our lives. The same grace that protects us, is the same grace that saves us from our sin, and carries us through the challenging days of our lives. He promises to hear our prayers, even when we feel very small in the world. Not only does He hear our prayers, but He also hears the prayers on our behalf from His own Son. His Son, who is sitting at His right hand, praying for us constantly.


Chad