Grace Given to Lead

I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in Him you have been enriched in every way – with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge. – (1 Corinthians 1:4-5, NIV)

I always that my God for you because of the grace that He has given you through Christ Jesus. In Him you have been blessed in all your speaking and all your knowledge. – (1 Corinthians 1:4-5, ERV)

I can never stop thanking God for all the wonderful gifts He has given you, now that you are Christ’s; He has enriched your whole life. He has helped you speak out for Him and has given you a full understanding of the truth. – (1 Corinthians 1:4-5, TLB)

Paul’s appreciation for those who were leading well in Corinth, mirrors my own sentiment for those who lead well around me. I am blessed to have pastors and mentors that have been granted wisdom and grace through Christ, as they continually invest in His word, worship and prayer, and submit to the Lord. Love is what equips each to speak and act as we are called by Christ to do. May we ever follow the examples set before us in the word and through those around us who unceasingly pursue a life led by God.

All thanks be to God,

For those who lead well;

That set example,

And truth’s what they tell.

Empowered by love,

Entrenched in God’s grace;

With hearts set to serve,

And walk in His ways.

Lord, show us all how,

To speak and love well;

So all that we do,

Shows in whom we dwell.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of leaders and mentors that speak in wisdom, grace and love, and lead well. Thank You for the faithfulness that each example shows. Forgive us for neglecting to seek You for wisdom, and for ignoring the examples that You have set before us. Teach us to look to You and Your word for wisdom and grace, and to recognize and give thanks for those whom You have placed around us to demonstrate Your goodness as they lead. Show us how to live and love in such a way, that all whom we encounter would be encouraged and blessed. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You thanks for those You have placed around us to lead, and for the wisdom and knowledge that is ever available in You to walk in Your way. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

Ask for Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – (James 1:5, NIV)

Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So He will give you wisdom. – (James 1:5, ERV)

And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and He will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but He will overwhelm your failures with His generous grace. – (James 1:5, TPT)

 

Twice over the past week, I have found myself in meetings where I needed the right words to communicate clearly. God’s wisdom and grace were necessary to navigate each situation, and God was faithful to grant me the words to speak that reached the hearts of those who were meant to hear. It was nothing that I had mapped out or planned, for neither situation warranted a script, nor included a predictable narrative. Rather, I had prepared for each encounter by covering the time in prayer, asking for God’s wisdom and grace to go before me and be present with me, so that all would go well, according to His will. God is faithful to grant us the wisdom that we lack when we ask, for He always wants the very best for His children. May we ever seek the Lord for wisdom, as He is faithful and generous to joyfully give all that we lack.

Yesterday, we had a fantastic afternoon together with my sister, brother-in-love, and mom in Portland. Mark and I drove down to meet the trio for lunch, as they drove a bit north from Albany. The food was excellent, and the company and conversation, even better. We had the opportunity to discuss important next steps in mom’s healing journey, and she is very much looking forward to this upcoming chapter. (Stay tuned, as I do not want to steal mom’s thunder. 😉) After lunch, mom, Meg and I went to have a little shopping adventure, while the fellas ventured off together in a direction a bit more intriguing to them. Later, we all reconvened at Starbucks to say our “see you laters”, and our two vehicles headed back for our respective homes.

 

The God of all grace,

Grants us what we lack;

If we only seek,

Come to Him and ask.

When we are unsure,

Don’t know what to do;

Ask God for wisdom,

He’s faithful and true.

He provides the words,

Whatever we need;

To follow the path,

Where His best will lead.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we lack wisdom and seek You for answers, You are faithful to meet us and lead us. Thank You that You love to bless Your children with wisdom to know Your best in all things. Forgive us for the times that we have not sought You for help or answers. Teach us to trust You more, as You are always faithful to show us Your best for our lives. Direct our steps so that we may love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for wisdom, and wait on You for answers; as You so clearly speak to our hearts and minds. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. – Matthew 7:8