The Daily Word: Monday, August 23rd, 2021
Job 8:1-11:20
1 Corinthians 15:1-28
Psalm 38:1-22
Proverbs 21:28-29
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. – 1 Cor. 15:10
The Apostle Paul wrote about half of the New Testament. But when it came time to recognize his life’s work as an apostle, he took the opportunity to deflect the glory to Jesus. “By the grace of God I am what I am.” Only God could take a man who murdered and imprisoned Christians and make him one of the greatest Gospel ministers the world has ever seen! And Paul would not rest until God received all the glory; because it was only by the grace of God that Paul was Paul at all.
Now yes, Paul had to work hard! But it was the “grace of God which was with [Paul]” that enabled him to work hard. The narrative of your life is the same. You have worked hard! But it is God’s grace that gave you the strength, grit, and determination to get you where you are today. You only have what you have by the grace of God. You only are who you are by the grace of God. So thank Him! And then get back to work, in Jesus’ name.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your grace! Thank You for Your divine empowerment to make me who I am today. I am grateful! And I give You all the glory, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.