Devotion - Wednesday, February 9

Our weekend retreat focused on "Grace." Bishop Yoos was our keynote speaker, leading the students to an understanding of grace as a lived experience with God. One of the exercises, from the Bible study lead by Citadel students, was to come up with an acronym for G.R.A.C.E. The one that came to my mind was God's Relationship Always Causes Excitement. As a result of my trust in God, life is full and rich and meaningful.

I was reading this morning from 2 Timothy 1:17. Paul tells this young adult, "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

We often look for strength in our muscles. In a couple of hours, I will be heading to Fike. I play racquetball, but I walk by the free weights were dozens will be assembled to build strength in their arms, legs, and core muscles.

We hear talk of "strength of character," and we are continually encouraged to display these traits.

There is talk (though it somewhat confuses me) of being strong in our faith. The confusion enters with questions as to whether faith has degrees. But I do understand the intention behind the comment - we are to be strong in our devotion and dedication to Christ.

Paul tells Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. I remember other words from Paul, words in which he says that his foundation is in Christ Jesus, and in Christ Jesus crucified. That he would boast in Christ, not in his own strength. Paul consistently reminds us to be strong in our openness to what God is doing in Jesus. To find our strength in the strength of Christ.

My trip to the gym this morning is to strengthen my body. My hope is that those who observe me in the world would say I am of good character. I rise early each morning to pray so that I might strengthen my relationship with Jesus. But the strength which sustains me is the grace which God has poured out upon me. That grace excites me and invites me into a life which is full and rich and meaningful. I will find my strength in God's grace.