Casandra Martin

“By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.”

                                                                      – 1 Corinthians 15:10

Paul was a man entirely defined by grace. We look at his commitment, fervor, resolve, and accomplishments, and often place the apostle on a pedestal. Paul would tell us that the only One who should be lifted up is Jesus. Grace made all the difference. It soaked into every part of who Paul was, and transformed his life.

The same grace that changed Paul is yours today. It is just as powerful, just as transforming, and just as overwhelming for average, ordinary you and me as it was for apostles two thousand years ago.

The challenge of grace is to allow it access into the deep places of our hearts. I tend to want to limit where grace can go. Grace is not a bully. It will not push its way in without a welcome. Inviting grace in means being vulnerable, acknowledging my deep need, and being open to the changes God wants to make deep within my soul.

Grace has an impact that can be felt in every corner of my life.  It transforms my eyes as I begin to see my family, my work, my neighbors, my struggles, and even myself differently. Grace changes my thoughts and ideas as I begin to seek God’s purpose and pursue His wisdom. It alters my hands and feet as it impacts the way that I move in the world. Grace flows through my words as I talk about the way Jesus is working in my life. Grace affects my hearing as I listen for His still, small voice.

My Jesus Resolution today is to count the ways that grace touches my day. I want to open the door every time Jesus knocks in order to let grace in. I want to stand in wonder at the lengths He is willing to go to make me new and make me His own. No matter the details of our stories, we all have the same beginning – by the grace of God I am what I am.