To seek Grace from God, first and foremost we need to believe that it is his will to see everyone receive the benefits of the cross, everyone who comes to him. We must expect it to happen. The sum ‘our faith minus our doubts’ has to leave us with a ‘mustard seed’ of faith that his Grace is for us before we are in a place to begin to receive. Then we need the persistence and the humility to keep going, and to keep reaching out, until we receive what he has for us.
We need to walk humbly with him, putting aside our questions and our criticisms of any abuses we may have seen and fall on our faces before the Lord.
Secondly, we need to know and believe ourselves to be in the presence of God, not merely as one might entertain or give credence to a theological concept but because we are aware of the awesome and almost tangible nature of his presence with us. This supernatural reality is expressed powerfully in this passage, providing us with a clear ‘window’.
In the presence of God, how does one pray? How does one express needs to the Lamb on the throne? Amongst the holy throng how do we even open our mouths? The awesome presence of God is such that we can do nothing but worship him.
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:31–33
How should we approach God for Grace for ourselves or for other people or situations in the world? With expectant and child–like hearts, as out of our mouths comes worship, thanksgiving and praise.
M.E.
