God’s Grace Is Towards You, Not Against You – Grace Under Fire, part 1
Have you ever felt like God’s grace is against you, and not for you? And you wonder, “God, where are you?” This message shows us how God is with us through it all, plus what to do when you’re not sure about the next step.
The what, where, and how of grace.
Have you ever felt like God’s grace is against you, and not for you? Like everything is going wrong and nothing is going right? And you wonder, “God, where are you? Where are you in my circumstance?”
Grace is defined as unmerited favor of God. It is free. Grace is a gift from God. It’s a source of forgiveness.
“made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:5-7, NIV).
God’s grace is extended to all. Even the wicked.
“But when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the Lord” (Isaiah 26:10).
We’re going to look at the story of Joseph. He was 17 years old when he was sold into slavery by his brothers. He was young and inexperienced and lacked wisdom. What Joseph’s brothers did was meant for evil but God used it for good. He went through much tribulation but he never swayed from his faithfulness to God. He refused to be influenced by the culture and situation he was in. Joseph remained steadfast even when his choice to remain faithful to God would cause him more suffering.
At times you may stand for what you believe and it may cost you something. But even in times of trial and pain the Lord is with us.
“The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field” (Genesis 39:2-5).
Joseph didn’t understand why he was going through suffering in the midst of it but he knew he had the favor and grace of God.
Look beyond your difficulties and look to the grace of God. The Lord is with you in every situation. God is everywhere. And where God is, grace abounds.
Joseph eventually became second in command of all Egypt. He was used by God to provide for the people of Egypt and beyond. Joseph’s struggles made him grow into a person of God who made a difference. When you look back, you can see the hand of God working in people’s lives. God will use evil to accomplish good for you and others. God’s grace is not just for you. God saved you that you might share your faith with others.
‘After burying his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, together with his brothers and all the others who had gone with him to bury his father.
15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.
19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives’ (Genesis 50:14-20).
Joseph knew that where he was is where God wanted him. And he knew God was with him. God is with you too! His grace is sufficient for your needs. If you don’t know what to do, take the next step. You may only see one step at a time but keep taking the next step and trusting God.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
How should we act and respond knowing God’s grace is with us and not against us? We should remain faithful no matter how things might appear. We should offer grace toward others. We should show the grace and love of God that he has shown us.
If we have experienced the grace of God, should we not extend it to others? The grace of God is on your life for your benefit, and also to share with others. What if God blessed you so you can share with others? God’s grace extended to you is the hope that one day others can know the love of God.
The Lord has plans for you.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Suggested Praise and Worship
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This and other sermons brought to you by Faith Chapel, an Assemblies of God church in Pleasanton, CA.
Genesis 37:2-4, 50:18-21: Learn how to live with integrity and see past your circumstances. God will use you if you let Him. Like a spiritual marathon runner, keep the faith and see the hand of God in your life.