So what does “shelter in grace” mean to us as believers in Father, His Son, Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) with Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit)?
First, we are not at this time in history by accident: Father put us here by His design for “such a time as this”. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise…from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14 NKJV. While he was speaking of the Jews at the hand of Haman, we can apply this to our time as well. We are here because He has an assignment for each of us.
Second, they will know we are His followers by our love for one another: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35 NKJV. What a perfect time in our frustrations, disappointments and all the other emotions running amok right now to remember to show love, even to those we might think don’t deserve it. For at one time, we didn’t deserve it either.
Third, what a magnificent opportunity to show others what we truly believe. Hopefully, that will be positive and different for each one of us. Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." John 6:29 NKJV and "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” John 14:1 NKJV
Fourth, if we think we will make through the end times, no not yet, this is a good trial run: For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are [only] the beginning of sorrows. Matthew 24:5-8 NKJV
So my dear brothers and sisters, let this not be a time of fear (For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV) but a divinely sent time to share why we are believers, why we can have peace in the middle of turmoil, and a time to encourage and share the Hope that only comes from Yeshua. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,* as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25 NKJV. *This can mean two or three, not necessarily going to a building in large groups.
Let each of us Shelter in Grace. Let’s flood this planet with His love and His grace.
Some thoughts from the Word on Grace for this time:
For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15 NKJV
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you." 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 NKJV
But as you abound in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us — see that you abound in this grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:7 NKJV
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Messiah may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV
So now, as Father has given us such an excellent time to “Shelter in Grace” and share His Love and Grace with everyone we interact with may The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Philippians 4:23 NKJV
(Keith Johnson)