Ephesians 2:8-9

New International Version

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.

For Meditation

The grace of God is the unmerited favor of God to sinful humanity. No one can claim any right to it. None can work or pay for it. God freely apportions His grace to those He loves according to His good pleasure and will in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24;Ephesians 1:4-6).        

The height of His grace is our salvation (2:8-9). This gracious gift from God sustains His saints through their lifetime and will carry us to glory (Romans 5:1-22; Corinthians 12:9).

“Christ in you the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).           

None of us can live without grace. As the Hebrews writer admonishes us, let us be careful we do not miss God’s grace (Hebrews 12:15) 

COVID-19 has been devastating globally. We have seen its carnage in Europe and other nations. In the USA alone, close to 600,000 people have died from the fury of the virus. It has consumed more people than the total number of deaths in all the wars the nation has fought since the first world war.

Look at India. They believed their gods would protect them from the pandemic, so they let things spiral out of control. It has been horrific to watch the scenes in the streets and hospitals of India on television. Cremation has filled the atmosphere in most cities, and the carnage continues.

In Africa, where the Western nations expected most deaths, it has thankfully not happened that way even though the continent has not escaped its fair share. 

So, if you are alive today, you have cause for celebration. God has favored you with undeserved protection. He is worthy of all your praise and worship. Is it too much for Him to demand the surrender of your heart to Him in Christ? It is by His grace you are alive.

Never forget, my friend. Everything you are and have achieved in life—all the challenges you have gallantly withstood and prevailed against have come to you by the grace of God.

Therefore, you must rise with outstretched hands and thank the Almighty who has blessed you with this grace—celebrating Him in everything and at all times. 

That is victorious living in Christ.

Shalom.