Many, many years ago my wife and I attended a church conference in the state of North Dakota. One of the sessions at this gathering dealt with the power of prayer. At one point in the proceedings we were each asked to share with the group some personal example of God's gracious movement in our own lives. Great testimonies of salvation, spiritual victory, financial help, and God's power were shared and enjoyed by all. When it came her turn, we listened as a young mother - tears streaming down her face - asked this question: 'Do you think that the God you all are talking about - with all these great things that He is doing - can help my little boy stop wetting the bed?' As we took special time to pray for this mother and her frustrating situation, our leader said to her: 'Ma'am, bed-wetting problems arn't to big - or to small - for our God. He just wants us to come to Him.' I believe our leader was spot-on correct. Anything that bothers God's children bothers Him. His response: COME!
Commenting on Hebrews 4:16 -

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

- James Montgomery Boice shares:

"Because of who God is and what Jesus Christ has done in dying for us, changing the throne of judgment into a throne of grace, we who trust Christ are to draw near the throne of grace in confidence. If we came in our own merit, we could have no confidence at all. The throne of God would be a place of terror. But since God has done what was needed to take away all judgment for our sin, it is now sin for us to come in any other way but with confidence. If we come in confidence, we can come knowing that God will do exactly what the author of Hebrews says he will do and we will indeed 'find grace to help us in our time of need' - Whatever our need may be! Do you seek forgiveness for sin? You will find God's grace forgiving you for every sin. Do you need strength for daily living: You will find the grace of God providing strength. Do you need comfort because of some great loss? God will provide comfort. Direction for some important decision? You will receive direction. Encouragement? You will receive encouragement. Wisdom? That too."

I believe that God's grace for us is not just for heaven, but that it includes our needs, concerns, fears, pain, joys, desires, goals, and ambitions right now. Jesus cares - Come to Him!

Posted by Steve Mounts at 5:38 AM

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