Every Friday I join a community of bloggers for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt, five minutes. Unedited. The prompt this week is … But.
Upon seeing the word prompt, one thought immediately came to mind: “There but by the grace of God go I.”
I have no idea who said or penned those words, but I have heard it and thought it many a time.
- Upon hearing of someone who lost their job.
- When someone has taken a fall and broken a bone.
- Seeing a car accident, or a flat tire.
- When a hard diagnosis has been given to a friend.
- A friend shares a failing marriage.
And the list can go on.
We say or think it when we see someone in a bad situation that we know could have been us as well. But somehow we missed it and were spared.
It is at those times, my thoughts turn to the gift of God’s grace. I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t earn it. I simply received it.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NASB)
God’s grace –
not a reward but a gift.
There but by the grace of God, go I.
Great post! I think a lot of the time we think of God’s grace being shown by blessings we receive, but as you say it is also shown in bad situations we are spared from. It is so important to remember that it is grace – that it is not something we deserve.
So good!
Love it! I have said that phrase often as well. God’s grace is all around if we just open our eyes to it. And when the trial does become our portion, His grace will help us through it.
How many times I’ve repeated these words. Ihave endless gratitude for what I’ve been given and for what has passed me by.