An Eternal Plan

2 Timothy 1:8-10 (NIV)
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 

The words above, not because of anything we have done, are all about grace.  There is a saying, "The best things in life are free."  I tend to agree with this statement.  When I consider some of the best times I have had and some the most meaningful occasions I have experienced I realize they were not the result of my checkbook. They were not the end goal of a planned time, but probably involved good friends, laughter and perhaps nature.

God's gift to us of Grace is such a thing as well.  It is not earned, not deserved, not due us, but a gift...a free gift.  So you ask what is grace?  Why do we talk about it, pray for it and sing about it during worship? 

For this writer, grace should be in all caps--GRACE--because it is the difference between life and death, between good and bad as well as condemnation and salvation.  When I cross a street against a red light and a truck comes from out of nowhere barreling right for me and I am pushed out of its path by a stranger, that is GRACE.

When a storm comes up while out on the lake and we begin to head for shore and safety then spot another boat capsized and its occupants floundering in the rough waves and we pull them to safety, that is GRACE.  When a life is coming to its close and a believer is at the bedside with the person, encouraging them to accept Jesus-and they do, that is GRACE.  When I believe in God and follow His Son to the Cross, that is GRACE moving me.