GRACE

In lat August of 2008, I was asked to go to the U of M vs. Utah football game with my friend and her family. My friend’s father had four season tickets for their family. However, her brother and sister couldn’t make it. Therefore, my friend asked if I’d like to join them that day. I’m not a huge football fan, but my husband convinced me to go.

After eating lunch in Ann Arbor together, the four of us made our way to our seats at the top row of the stadium. I had never been to The Big House before. I stood there momentarily, taking it all in.  The crowd as huge, so huge I felt tiny in a sea of blue and yellow. The excitement of the crowd was so intense, you could practically feel it on your skin. It was a breathtaking moment.  What really took my breath away though was when I finally looked at my entry ticket.

I was startled when I looked at the price on the ticket stub. I asked my friend if the stated $50 fee was what her father actually paid. She nonchalantly said, “Yeah.”

I was dumbfounded. I barely knew her dad. I had never really done anything to deserve such a kind gesture. I’m not poor, but my budget couldn’t really afford to repay this amount. I panicked and asked if her dad wanted me to pay him back.

“Nope.” I just sat there saying “oh my” repeatedly to myself.

It was in that moment that I heard from God. It wasn’t an audible sound. What I “heard” was more of a thought, but so profound and deep down that it resonates in your head and heart. A truth so deep that you know it is not of your own creation. God said –

“This is what my grace is like.”

God’s grace is a gift, nothing to be earned or paid back. He gives it freely, abundantly, simply because He can. Even more, the price paid for God’s grace is something that we can never truly repay. Jesus died for us, gave up His life, simply so that He can repair our broken relationship with God the Father.

Why in the world would God do such a thing? Why would he offer such abundant grace?

Simply because He loves us. His love is higher and deeper than any stadium. It is longer and wider than any football field.

This truth is profound, yet simple. Most days I still cannot fathom it. However, I don’t have to “understand” it. God gives grace. The only requirement is for me to receive it.  To accept the freedom of God’s grace and stop trying to earn it.

Oh my. Oh my. Oh my.

When have you heard God’s voice reveal truth in your life? How has He touched your heart? Please share your story below. 

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