Life always seems to present us with tough situations to deal with at the worst times. When we struggle with issues that are too big to handle by ourselves, we may be struggling because we’re trying to handle them on our own, without God’s help. This is what the children of Israel tried to do under the Law of Moses, but it didn’t work very well. Now that we’re under grace, however, God has given us the wisdom to let go of the problems and let Him handle them as only He can.

God’s wisdom isn’t the world’s wisdom, and we can’t begin to understand His comprehensive plans and purposes for our lives. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8, 9). Instead of trying to force things to happen through our own efforts, trusting in His favor toward us yields much better results. Under the law, constant works were required; under grace, the only thing required is faith in God’s love for us.

It takes courage to step out in faith, trusting that God’s grace will be enough to carry us through. But when we reflect on the implications of Jesus’ finished works, we begin to see the big picture. Paul constantly relied on God’s favor to help him when he needed it the most. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness…” (2 Corinthians 12:9). No matter how hard Paul had previously worked under the law, the results he experienced under the grace of God far surpassed his own human capabilities.

Whether he was received graciously or put in prison, Paul learned to trust God in every situation he faced. He had ample opportunity to be fearful and anxious, but grace gave him the strength and courage to rise above trouble and keep going. “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 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 4:11-13, NKJV). The favor that God showed Paul is the same favor available to us when we’re in trouble.

Grace empowers us and makes us bold. When we receive Jesus, who is grace, as our Lord and Savior, we become like Him. “…Because as he is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). Jesus had in Him the wisdom and the knowledge to win over every situation in life because of the Holy Spirit. When we let the Spirit lead us, we receive the same supernatural ability.

God didn’t create us to wear ourselves out constantly struggling with burdens. He wants to ease the load. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:30, MSG). Grace turns life from daily drudgery into a joyful journey.

For more on how grace gives us victory in life, click on the link below for the book, Grace to Overcome Every Challenge. http://bit.ly/GraceToOvercomeEveryChallenge