Romans 11:5–6 (ICB)
There are a few people that God has chosen by his grace. And if God chose them by grace, then it is not for the things they have done. If they could be made God’s people by what they did, then God’s gift of grace would not really be a gift.
Devotion – There is God’s Grace, When We Are In Need
One of my favorite hymns is “Amazing Grace.” It was written by John Newton, whose spiritual transformation came when he was on a ship during a storm where he called out to God for mercy. In the hymn he refers to saving grace several times. Since I was a boy I associated grace with salvation, but also with prayer at mealtime when someone is asked to “say grace.”
In Romans 11:1-4, Elijah appeals to God against Israel for not obeying God. In verses 5-7, God replies that he has “chosen by grace” those Jews who have not “bowed” to false idols.
Now this grace is not the salvation through Christ that I have been used to. These verses seem to indicate that there are different types of grace. In an article written by Mike Leake, the lead pastor at Calvary Church in Neosho, MO, he notes that Scripture indeed references different types of grace. For example, he cites 2 Corinthians 12:9 as “Sustaining Grace,” the grace that provides strength and support in times of need.
This is the grace that I need in trying to live more simply. I need God’s help to declutter my brain as well as our home, eat more simply, and to be thankful for his role in my life and the lives of others. One of my favorite radio programs is My Unsung Hero, which regularly broadcasts real stories where I interpret God employs his grace through people to help fellow beings in need. Here is one story: www.npr.org/2024/04/25/1247208357/he-was-stranded-after-a-serious-car-accident-then-an-old-white-pickup-pulled-ove
Prayer
Dear Father, Thank you for your mercies and grace in my life. Thank you for fully understanding the fears and frailties that we face daily on this earth. Here I am, Lord asking for your continued grace and mercy to lead me daily so that I may face the challenges life throws at me with confidence and faith that your power is made perfect in my weaknesses.
Karl Sandberg
Mike Leake, www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/how-does-scripture-explain-saving-grace.html
“Here I am, Lord,” Hymn 69 in Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal