02.16

Even More on Grace and Good Works "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you,
that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every
good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)"

When considering the connection between grace and good works, God's ability is the
priority issue. "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you." The Lord intends
for us to be the objects of His ever-flowing grace. Our God is fully capable of
accomplishing such an outpouring of His grace.

The Lord desires to "make all grace abound toward you." He wants to impact our lives with
every aspect of His grace ("all grace"). He has grace available in every category that we
will ever need. He is ready to flood our lives with such grace ("abound toward you"). This
term ("abound") could be depicted as compelling waves consistently rolling up on the
seashore, leaving an inevitable imprint.

God's grace impacts humble, trusting hearts in such a manner, imparting all that is needed
for effective service. "That you, always having all sufficiency in all things." Whenever
we place our dependence in the Lord, He supplies everything that is necessary ("all
sufficiency") for everything He would have us to do ("in all things").

The immediate context relates this truth to financial provision; yet, the language goes
far beyond any circumstantial limitation: "having all sufficiency in all things." This
speaks of any need in any situation. If we need grace for biblical family life, it is
included here. If we need grace for running a godly business, it is offered here. If we
need grace for witnessing, it is included here. If we need grace for church ministry, it
is extended here: "That you, always having all sufficiency in all things."

Our God is a bountiful Master, who loves to lavish His resources upon His servants: "That
you may have an abundance." However, this bounty is not for personal whim or carnal
indulgence. It is for "every good work." God's abundance is for the furthering of His will
here on earth. So we can be encouraged. If our desire is to serve our Lord, immeasurable
spiritual treasures are available for our service.

This does not mean we are exempt from seasons of apparent lack. We have lessons to learn
that must be taught during times of adversity as well as abundance. "I know how to be
abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be
full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:12-13).

"O Lord, giver of every good and perfect gift, remind me to look to You for abounding
grace in every trial and in every opportunity. Lord, I know that I need You in the
delightful times, just as much as in the agonizing times. Use me for implementing Your
will in this rebellious world. I praise You that finding the grace I need for serving You
depends on Your ability, not mine. Pour out Your grace, I pray, in Jesus' name, Amen."