How to Position Your Heart to Receive God’s Grace
By Kelly Balarie
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Mt. 7:3 ESV)
Have you ever been in a situation that you knew was a God set up?
This is what happened to me last week at a coffee store…
After grabbing my coffee from the coffee counter, I found my way to the seat my husband picked. And – wow – did he pick a good one! The high-top table overlooked the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. It was just the place to camp with a good book and with God’s Word. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered me a boat-laden views and gusts of expresso filled my insides; life was good. I was in my happy place.
Here, I found my husband mid-conversation with lady who relinquished her table so we could have this great view. As I made my way into the conversation, my heart thumped a tad faster. Why? I picked up on the fact that she loved Jesus, that she had an international ministry with her husband, and that she was a speaker for God.
God, are you up to something?
After chatting, we all went back to work. I tried to dig into reading my book, however my thoughts kept returning to this woman. . .
How can I encourage her?
God, will you bless her?
Father, is there anything she needs to know for her journey?
On my heart, came a Scripture to share. So, I told it to her. I added some encouragement to help her stand strong in her faith. I was sure what God was putting on my heart was valuable for her journey.
Although, despite my encouragement and God’s Word, everything I said seemed to go over her head. She launched into past circumstances, teaching us about God, and basically spoke about how she already knew exactly what I was talking about.
Discouraged, I knew, I did not reach her heart. I felt sad.
Again, trying to focus on the words in my book, my thoughts still fired everywhere. God, I thought this encouragement would impact her more, what are you doing here?
There was no use reading my book; I looked up. The woman was standing at my table.
Looking at me, she said, “Now, I have something on my heart for you.”
Oh, really?
Frankly, I wasn’t too interested. I felt she ditched what I had to say. Instead, she acted like a great teacher. And now, she was back -- here to teach me. I wanted to leave the coffee place.
She opened the Bible to Genesis. She read something that I needed to hear. I half-way took it to heart. But mostly, I wanted to shoo her away from my table.
After we left the store, I turned to my husband and said, “Why does everyone always try to act like a high-and-mighty teacher? Why can’t people receive?”
I knew and he knew I was referring to the lady in the coffee shop.
He said to me, “Kelly, if you spot it, you got it.”
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Mt. 7:3 ESV)
My husband then went on to say, “Kelly, you are often the teacher, but also have a hard time receiving.”
Oh great, now I was just as bad as she was.
But I knew he was right. It is so much easier to give than to be in need. It is far easier to lead then to listen. It is far easier to be strong than to not have it all together. It is far easier to judge, than to endure the inner tension of change and growth. It is far easier to be a giver than a receiver.
Eyes to the floor of the car, conviction hit my heart.
The problem wasn’t this woman; the problem was me. Instead of being another sheep in the sheep pen, alongside all the others who need the Great Shepherd, my inner flesh puffed-up, like a Pharisee, who is saying, “Come, see, and hear, the great things I have to say!”
Ick.
Judging, and standing higher than others not only distances us from love, from learning, and from enjoying real fellowship, but it also blocks God’s outflowing grace.
I want no part of that! Even if a woman teaches me for 30-minutes straight, without allowing me a word in edgewise, I will listen. Maybe God is talking... Even if I never get to give my part, I will hold my own. Maybe God doing something in me... Even if I feel awkward because my weakness is exposed, I will receive. Maybe God is giving me a key of life...
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As believers in Christ Jesus, we must be continual receivers of His outflowing grace. Are you a receiver? Ask Yourself: Do I listen, or do I constantly talk? Do I humble myself before others, by listening and receiving, or do I puff up with Scripture, knowledge, or pride – in order to keep safe? Do I realize God-set ups when they show up or do I get caught up in my own plan?
Perhaps, take a moment and pray. Often, the keys we most search for are found in the hands of those we most judge. When our pride falls, so do keys of grace fall right into our hands.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/sticker2you
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