Embracing Grace in our Struggles
Ee Chien Chua
Senior sales & partnerships leader with operational experience. Follow me for various writings!
Scripture: Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) - "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Introduction:
Reflecting on the song "It Was Finished Upon the Cross" by CityAlight, we are reminded of the profound impact of Christ's sacrifice and the victory it signifies. Yet, in my own journey, where mistakes and poor choices seem to loom large, the struggle to believe in the reality of this victory can be challenging.
Devotional:
The beauty and power of the gospel can sometimes feel distant in the face of our personal failings. My life, marred by mistakes and bad choices, often feels at odds with the perfect redemption story portrayed in the Scriptures and songs like "It Was Finished Upon the Cross." Doubt creeps in, and the struggle to believe in the reality of Christ’s victory becomes a daily battle.
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Yet, it is precisely for our broken, mistake-ridden lives that Christ endured the cross. The song echoes this truth: "It was finished upon the cross." These words are a reminder that Christ's work of salvation accounts for every misstep and error we have ever made or will make. The cross is where our failures meet His grace, where our inadequacies are enveloped by His completeness.
In Hebrews 12:2, we are urged to fix our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. This joy included the restoration of flawed, struggling individuals like myself to a place of right standing with God. It's a profound love that can be hard to comprehend, especially when we're acutely aware of our own shortcomings.
The line from the song, "On to eternal glory with Him we are raised," is not just a future promise but a present reality. In Christ, we are not defined by our past mistakes but by His righteousness. This truth is the lens through which we can view our lives, no matter how marred they seem by our poor choices.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross, which covers all my mistakes and failures. Help me to truly believe and find peace in the completeness of Your work. When doubts arise, and I struggle to see the reality of Your grace, bring me back to the foot of the cross. Remind me that in You, I am a new creation, destined not for shame but for eternal glory. Amen.
Reflection:
How can the reality of Christ's finished work on the cross change the way you view your past mistakes? What steps can you take to remind yourself of this truth in moments of doubt?