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Galatians 1:15-16 – But when God, who set me apart from my mother's womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. (NIV 2011)
This verse of Scripture reminds me of my childhood and makes me look back at my life. Did God set me apart from birth and call me by His grace? Dad was a minister and all three of us children were raised as believers. It was taken for granted, never doubted, that we loved Jesus. Did I really understand back then what being a follower of Jesus really meant, or was it just that it was dad's way and we had better respond accordingly? Don't take me wrong. I loved my parents, but it was only at age twelve that I had my first opportunity to kneel before Christ and rise up to face all things by His grace. Do any of us really know what it means to be "called by His grace"?
I now realize that God had set me apart from my mother's womb and called me by His grace. He was pleased to reveal His Son in me. I understood that I was to please Him all the time, and my immediate response was not to look to any human being, but to see Jesus Whose grace held all life's answers. I don't remember talking with anyone about this during my teen years. I just felt that in God I could trust and study under His leadership. I loved the hymn, Trust and obey, for there's no other way. I took that literally. I could trust the Lord Jesus with my life.
Looking back on my years in the ministry, I can now tell the difference between what I struggled to do myself and what God did through me by His grace. In those days, I was never alone — I was able to depend on others to respond positively as we, through God's grace, built Jesus' church together. Yes, I was struggling to start new things but there was never the feeling that I stood alone. But now, in my 80s and aging, I am feeling alone and, yes, very frail. Now I am totally dependent on God's grace to carry me through these difficult years. Undoubtedly, it is my new frailty that brings to the fore God's grace. I could do very little of substance without God's grace wrapping me in His love, and making everything come together in His Spirit. Instead of giving up, I leave it in the grace of God to do whatever He wants of me.
Oh, Jesus, let Your grace be upon me, and touch the others who are reading this with Your wonderful grace. Set our spirits free from all worry about our future and our general health. We are not alone. You are with us. Your grace is upon us. Thank You, Lord!
Prayer: Dear Lord, by Your grace, teach us how to follow You. May we always turn wholeheartedly to You, seeking help with whatever is bothering us. Proverbs 3:5 tells us that we must trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. We commit our way to You, Lord, as You direct our paths. We don't have to lean on our own understanding. Thank You, Lord! Amen.
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You are inspiring Iris. Keep writing.
Your message of today really spoke to me. Thank you.
(ON)
Thank you Iris.
May He be with you always, in all ways.
Thank you for your timely messages of Grace. Whenever you write we experience the Holy Spirit blessing your words of encouragement. May God continue to guide you and your messages of love.
Thank you for your message. I am also in my 80’s and it resonated with me, by reminding me of God’s presence with us every step in our life’s journey.
Blessings.
While age has its definite drawbacks, Iris, it also allows us the “freedom” to accept God’s grace for what it is. Thank you for your devotional this morning.
(Texas)
Iris, Thank you for sharing your struggle with us. Although not in my 80s, I’ve been pondering what I can do for the Lord. As I read this devotional, peace descended and a knowing filled my heart that God would lead me through these years. Thank you again for sharing. Blessings.
Dear Iris,
Thank you for this devotional from your heart. It was so encouraging to me. You are living out Prov. 3:5 and 6 as you “Trust and Obey”.
May God continue to live in and through you by His grace.
My dear Iris:
You were so blessed to know the Lord’s calling at age 12. I’ve only realized His Almighty love for 12 years. Even so, as you said, Trust and Obey is exactly what I do, there is no other way.
May our Good Lord bless and keep you and may He make His light to shine upon you, dear Iris.
Hello Iris. From one octogenarian to another, your message today really warmed my heart. Proverbs 3:5-6 has been implanted in my memory for many years. Thank-you for sharing your thoughts, — the Lord didn’t give us a retirement date when we should cease sharing our life’s experiences with others, did He!
Blessings on your day today Iris.
(Ontario)
Good morning Iris,
I knew you when I was growing up and I wanted to reach out to you today. Your devotional touched me this morning as my own faith formation has parallels to what you’ve described. Today would be my mom’s birthday and she has been on my mind. It was great to open up the website this morning and feel connected to someone who knew her. I have wonderful memories of being part of that church family. Please keep sharing through your devotionals.
God bless.
Dear Iris;
So beautifully said, thank you.
Wow! Iris, you really “pack a punch” even in your old age! What a blessing your words are … and by extension, YOU are. Thank you for continuing to share your life with others, to give testimonies to His Presence, His power and His glory. Amen.
Iris – Thanks for writing this devotional. I can identify with you regarding living in the eighties. A verse which my primary physician gave me recently which I refer to frequently: 2 Corinthians 4:16 “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.” (NASB)
God bless you, Iris.
Thank you for your beautiful words of wisdom from another 80 year old who by God’s amazing Grace continues to serve HIM. Grace and Peace be with you.
(Texas)
Iris,
Thank you for ministering to us through your devotional writings. I always smile when I get to the end and read your name there.
Ministry is both rewarding and challenging. It’s always amazing to hear God’s voice speak to our hearts and our circumstances as we open the devotionals written by the Holy Spirit through you.
Blessings and grace.
Dear Iris:
Thank you so much in sharing your life long experiences with us. Your comments are so real to us and we wanted to give thanks to our God for blessing us through your writings. My wife and I are helping out in a small Presbyterian church doing visitations for the seniors. Sometimes it is very painful and difficult in witnessing the decline of health, memories, eye sights, and mobilities in our life long Christian church friends. Yet we have the hope in our Saviour’s return and we have the assurance of the Holy Spirit as our comforter. May God continue to give you strength and wisdom as you share your experiences with us.
Dear Iris,
Such a beautiful testimony of God’s grace!
It should be widely read.
I pray for God’s blessings on you in all ways.