Were It Not For Grace

   The lyrics of this song have been rolling around the empty chambers of my cranium the last few days...

   My life is the product of many decisions, wise or otherwise, and their subsequent rewards and consequences.  While I've prevailed on a host of good ones, I've certainly botched several life times worth of stupid decisions and choices.  I have many regrets as a result.  Were it not for the grace of God, there is no telling (although I could guess) who or where I'd be - physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually.

   Grace is the one thing that "overrides," and supersedes my frail and flawed humanity.  It is not conditional or limited by my failures and shortcomings.  It is not something I can obtain on my own merit.  It is completely undeserved and, at the same time, supremely sufficient.  It is freedom from my shame and guilty conscience.  It is a free gift from my Creator offering absolute forgiveness of sin. 

   On days when I'm down, regretting past decisions, or stressing over current ones, I am reminded of the grace of God (and the lyrics to this song - below) that sustains and strengthens me.  I still don't totally understand why, but God is really good to me.

Chorus 1

Were it not for grace
I can tell you where I'd be
Wand'ring down
Some pointless road to nowhere
With my salvation up to me
(And) I know how that would go
The battles I would face
Forever running
But losing the race
Were it not for grace

Verse 1

Time measured out my days
Life carried me along
In my soul I yearned to follow God
But knew I'd never be so strong
I looked hard at this world
To learn how heaven could be gained
Just to end where I began
Where human effort is all in vain

Verse 2

So here is all my praise
Expressed with all my heart
Offered to a Friend who took my place
And ran a course I could not start
And when He saw in full
Just how much His love would cost
He still went the final mile
Between me and heaven
So I would not be lost

Peace,