grace: n. God-given help or kindness

sufficient: adj. enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end

The day began as it often does. A thought placed in my mind before I fully awaken and have the chance to give valid consideration to anything. I’m usually half asleep.  

The scenario reminds me of one of those news tickers, a “crawler” that shows up on the bottom of a television screen, moving slowly as it silently announces headlines.

“My grace is sufficient for you.”[1] Nothing more. Nothing less.

I recognized the source—a scripture from somewhere in the Bible, delivered by my Heavenly Father. I must say my initial reaction was not a positive one. I recoiled a bit (just a little) over the word “sufficient.” Couldn’t He have said ‘above and beyond’ or even ‘abundantly’ instead? I equated it to barely enough or a sparse amount, along the lines of “making do.” It’s apparent I prefer a hefty cushion with plenty left over.

I grew up in an evangelical church. From early childhood on, I was exposed to Biblical vernacular—words such as faith, trust, sin, salvation, and grace. I suspect I had some head knowledge of them. In truth, I had no comprehension of their actual meaning for many years.

The word “grace” is one of those. Today, as an eighty-year-old, I can say I am unable to express clearly what God’s grace is and how it affects my life.

There is a common description using the anacronym God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. G R A C E. And still, I draw a blank.

When we, as humans, see others in a worse state than ourselves–whether physical, financial, or any other kind–we often respond, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” What does that casual comment actually mean?

What is grace? What is God’s grace? Is it a part of my life? What was He saying when He told me His grace is sufficient?

It is that time of the year for me. Property taxes are due in just a few days. My annual automobile insurance renewal has come due. Christmas is around the corner. It adds up to quite a financial drain.

In addition, as landlord of a rental, I was hit with replacing the heating system a couple of months ago. (Ouch! They do not give heat pumps away.) Then, there was the garbage disposal that went kaput!, the kitchen faucet with its constant leaking, and the rotten deck boards that needed replaced. In an effort and desire not to be a slumlord, I ignore nothing.

Since I retired two-and-a-half years ago from my gardening business, I have come to understand the meaning of the word “fixed income,” with an emphasis on the “fixed.”

So, that is where my mind was when my Heavenly Father stated His grace is sufficient. My first thought: Yeah, but will it pay the bills?

Over a dozen years ago, I was given the opportunity to become a homeowner. That, in itself, was a miracle. My son-in-law, daughter, and I purchased the duplex he was living in. None of us individually had the wherewithal to qualify for a loan but, as a joint effort, we were given one. The arrangement worked out well for both parties involved.

When they needed to move into a larger space, I bought them out. I was still working as a self-employed gardener so was able to dump money into the mortgage, paying off the loan early.

And here I am now—an 80-year-old woman with limited financial resources, but an asset that provides me a home without monthly rent, a consistent income from my tenant’s rent, a huge space where I can garden, and sufficient funds to take care of any physical needs that may come up with the property or me. (Note the instinctive use of the word “sufficient?”)

Several days have passed since that early morning pronouncement. I was no closer to having a grasp on “grace,” the grace of God, than when He woke me up. I’ve been reading the book of Ephesians in the Bible, and His grace is mentioned repeatedly, but that didn’t help either.

The fresh air beckoned me to “Come, go for a walk.” I bundled up, unlocked the side gate, and trekked off down the street. I was driven by no purpose other than shaking off the inside doldrums that appear when I’m confined for very long.

Help me understand what your grace means, Father.

I had almost completed the walk when it hit me: You know that guy who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it?

The thought rattled around for a bit, then connected. And settled in. I understood. God is just like “that guy”–unselfish, generous, giving. Grace, God’s grace, is just another word for His goodness. He would withhold nothing from His children . . . and He doesn’t.

God made His point. His grace is sufficient. My bank account is not that of a “wealthy” individual. However, I have a spiritual banker who makes certain all of my needs are taken care of. I lack nothing. He has never failed me.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee

Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning, new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hands hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.[2]

God’s “sufficient” is above and beyond what I dare ask or think. And yes, His grace does pay the bills.  He not only takes care of my physical debts but my spiritual one as well . . . when Christ died in my place on the cross to cover the debt of my sin.

Grace. God’s limitless, boundless, immeasurable grace.

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[1] II Corinthians 12:9 _ESV

[2] Thomas O. Chisholm (1923)