What inspires you? Watching the sunrise? Me too. An answered prayer? A second chance? Of course. Often, I’m inspired by God’s creation, especially in the small things. Recently we traveled to the Grand Canyon and experienced this glorious and BIG example of God’s creation. It didn’t disappoint. Pictures cannot do it justice. If you haven’t been and get an opportunity, go and be inspired. But we can’t have Grand Canyon moments every day, so what can inspire us daily?
The answer I keep coming back to is God’s grace. Grace is essentially receiving something we don’t deserve. That’s the whole concept behind Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. God sacrificed His own son, Jesus, on our behalf because of His deep love for us. If we believe this, we will spend eternity with God instead of in hell. Talk about receiving something we don’t deserve! Each day, I ask for God’s help yet somehow still mess up, even with good intentions. But God still provides me with His help and grace. That inspires me.
Inspired by Grace
If God can forgive and provide grace to me daily, then I can do (or at least try to do) what He wants. This means working hard on what’s needed, even if I don’t feel like it. It’s going out of my way to help or be present with someone. Being inspired by grace also means giving it to others, which isn’t always easy. But God also provides all I need to give grace to others, too.
This year I’m trying to be all in, especially with God and my faith. To that end, I’m trying to be more aware of God’s presence and grace in my life. While I’m paying attention, God is showing up. He’s always there, but I often don’t take the time to see it. It requires a purposeful choice to see Him, His grace, and what He wants me to see and do. This happens when I slow down and pay attention.
The Grand Canyon absolutely is inspiring, but we can be inspired by His grace daily if we simply choose to see it. Take a moment today and look for God’s presence and grace in your life. Watch how He shows up in the sunrise, a child’s laugh, an answered prayer, or a simple act of grace. And be inspired.