To the Fullest Measure

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. 1 Peter 1:1-2 (New American Standard Bible)

Written to Christians facing persecution and dispersed throughout many parts of the world, the Apostle Peter started this book of the Bible with some incredibly encouraging words. Right off the bat he wanted his readers to see and embrace the truth of who they were in Christ…..chosen, sanctified, and cleansed. Their true identity was not based on what they did, what they owned, or where they lived, but rather on who they were in Christ. Along with that, he desired for them to possess grace and peace in the fullest measure even though their circumstances were not the best. How encouraging to know that we can allow these verses to be a banner over our own lives.

When do I need grace and peace the most? When I am battling with personal issues. When I am irritated with myself or others. When I am fearful of outcomes that are yet to be seen. When I am over whelmed with a task at hand. When temptation seems stronger than my own resolve to resist. When I have failed. When my expectations are not met. When the doors of opportunity remain closed. When I take one step forward and several steps backward. When the things I most want to change are out of my control. When health fails. When patience wears thin. When others do not understand. When my feelings are hurt. When those I most want to please simply are not pleased. When problems remain unresolved. When I feel backed into a corner. When life happens.

Grace is God-given strength and peace is internal tranquility in the midst of storms and difficulties rather than the absence of them. It is the sense that you are being held together when you don’t feel you have it all together. It sustains you when all seems against you. It is not denial or mere positive thinking. It is available and abundant….ours for the asking. In times when I knew the internal or external storms were brewing I could simply ask God to fill me with His grace and peace. Within moments I was acutely aware of both. The early Christians needed them and so do we.

Father, thank you that You never skimp on the supply of Your grace and peace. Each time life gets difficult, You give me the fullest measure of both. I receive them with praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

It is Well With My Soul - Wintley Phipps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYFjikyp7mQ

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.