Give Us This Day Our Daily Grace

I eagerly clicked on her Facebook page, looking forward to seeing her husband, an old friend of mine, and their two children. I imagined that the kids were all grown up by now, probably with families of their own. Years ago, our two families were among the emerging leaders in our church. I saw them as spiritual role models; they seemed so humble, had a deep understanding of Scripture, and walked with God every day. We left the church to attend seminary, while they moved to another city to advance in their corporate careers. I was sure that God had great plans for all of us.

That was 20 years ago.

The pictures on her page left me speechless. Her husband was nowhere to be seen, replaced by another man. It made me feel sick to my stomach. The children were missing, too. Her life philosophy was posted there, but it didn’t mention Christ or any deity at all. Instead, it said, “If you want to be somebody, you’ve got to grab life by the throat before it grabs you.” The only sign of anything religious was a linked article from a well – known prosperity preacher titled “Finding the Better You.”

I couldn’t believe it.

After a couple more clicks, I found her husband’s Facebook page. It was the same story. A new woman, a new way of thinking. No kids, no mention of God—nothing that reminded me of the family I used to know.

What went wrong? Where were the children? What had broken their marriage? And had they really abandoned their faith? This wasn’t how things were supposed to turn out.

Then it dawned on me: This could have been my family. I don’t claim to know what was really going on in their hearts—maybe they’d repent and return to Jesus. But I realized that the only difference between their situation and mine was that God had given my wife and me the grace to persevere.

I often thank God for the saving grace I have through Christ in my prayers. But I noticed that I rarely thanked him for the daily grace that keeps me in a saved state. Since I had this realization, I’ve been praying for our former friends, and I’ve also been thanking the Lord for continuously sending waves of grace into my life.

Preserved to Persevere

When was the last time you were truly glad about God’s preserving grace? While preparing a sermon on James 4, I focused on verse 6: “But he gives more grace.” The reason I keep believing, repenting of my daily sins, reading the Bible, preaching and teaching God’s Word, writing about God – related topics, and loving my family is that God is still working in my heart.

Our discussions about “once saved always saved” or the perseverance of the saints are often too simplistic, lacking depth. I’ve argued before that true believers can’t lose their salvation, and I think the Bible is clear on this. But the Bible also shows that over time, and through various circumstances, those who only pretend to be believers will be exposed (for example, 1 John 2:19; the Parable of the Sower, etc.).

Jesus the Prayer Warrior

I’m able to persevere in God’s grace because God’s Son is praying for me. Right at this moment, as I’m typing these words, Jesus is at the Father’s right hand, praying for me and all of his people. In his High Priestly Prayer, we can see how powerfully Jesus intercedes for us:
“Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me . . . While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost . . . I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one . . . Sanctify them in truth; your word is truth. . . I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17)

Jesus also interceded for Peter. He knew that the Devil would try to test Peter severely, but he also knew Peter would come back because of his prayers. The end of John’s Gospel shows how Peter was restored.

If you’re a discouraged believer, take heart. Jesus is praying for you right now. His prayers are perfect; they’re not confused, they don’t come from mixed motives, and they’re never wrong. He prays flawlessly, and the Father always answers him. You’re able to persevere in grace because of the prayers of your great high priest, who is praying for you at the Father’s right hand.

Delight in Prevailing Grace

This doesn’t mean we’re passive when it comes to persevering in our faith. We keep trusting in Christ even when we face many dangers, difficulties, and temptations. It’s very much in line with the Bible to say that we persevere and that God preserves us at the same time.
When I think about some of the tough times in my life, I can see God’s guiding hand. There were college professors who tried to convince me to give up my faith, but Christ was stronger. My father passed away suddenly when I was 22, just six weeks before my college graduation. It was devastating, but Christ was greater. My wife and I had a miscarriage and lost our first child. We were heartbroken, but Christ was greater. My first pastorate was full of challenges and ended sooner than I expected, but Christ was greater.

Are you still following Jesus through difficult times? Are you holding on to him even when so many things around you seem more appealing? If so, thank God for his preserving grace. He has kept you safe so far, and he will continue to do so, no matter what hard days lie ahead. He will keep working in you until you see him face to face.