Have you ever known someone with a “green thumb” – someone with a knack for growing things? A “green thumb” takes a scraggly plant and nurtures it into a healthy, thriving beauty. There are folks who have that same knack with animals. The famous racehorse Seabiscuit was sold as a failure. But he was coaxed into becoming the most winning horse of all time.
The new owner brought out the glory that had always been there!
That’s what Jesus Christ does for everyone who receives Him into their lives. God is the Master Gardener, the quintessential “Green Thumb” – and His grace is what every life needs. It is His kindness, tolerance, and patience that causes our lives to blossom and bear fruit.
Grace is the secret every “green thumb” uses to nurture life to its fullest potential.
The root of the word for grace means “TO REJOICE.” A life nurtured by God’s grace is joy-filled and overflows with grace for others.
DIG DEEPER
We are to GROW in the grace … think of grace as the soil you sink your roots into (2 Peter 3:18). Grace is the undeserved favor of the LORD — a gift that can’t be earned.
Romans 2:4 tells us that God’s GRACE leads us to repentance. We people don’t turn from our sin and selfishness because of condemnation and criticism. We turn because the goodness of God cannot be resisted. We are delivered (saved) by His grace alone (Ephesians 2:8).
Grace meets every need we have. Our neediness increases His presence which produces the rejoicing grace is rooted in. Seek to be more like Jesus who willingly became poor to give us real life (2 Corinthians 8:9). The more grace we receive, the greater the power of God in us (2 Corinthians 12:9), and that produces joy-filled praise in us and others.
PRAYER
Father God, we celebrate the gift of grace that is truly the gift of yourself. The riches of grace are beyond are full comprehension but just a glimpse brightens the darkest of day. Lives nurtured by your generous Spirit of Grace will be strong and fruitful. Help us sink deep roots in You and let Your grace overflow into the lives you plant near us. Meet our needs and fill us with thanksgiving to You so Your Glory will be seen by all. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray, amen.
