awake & free: G-R-A-C-E//Victoria Taylor//CNU

When thinking about what the women in our CRU community, I realized that God has us playing very different roles this summer. Many of us are traveling abroad, a few are taking hikes on the Appalachian Trail, a few are getting married, some are working this summer or interning at our churches, and others are moving away to do missions. I am working at Pier 1 Imports, shadowing two Occupational Therapists, and spending time with family and friends. Although all of us are accomplishing great things, to whom are we attaining the credit to?

I grew up/am growing up in a family that values a lot of hard work, goal achievement, and going above and beyond. It was easy to start taking credit for all of the things I did, rather than humbling myself and realizing what fueled my achievements or their site of origination--God’s grace. Early last week I read this verse…

This is part of a letter from Paul to the believers in Corinth, to encourage and direct them in their faith.

“By the Grace of God I am what I am…”

· Paul doesn’t define what he “is”. It’s vague yet so clear. He doesn’t define what he “is” but simply says he is whatever God says he is. It’s a very simple concept; but how often do we actually let God define our identity?

· God was gracious to Paul. By definition, grace is the “good and free favor of God”. It’s free! Therefore it is really good! What has God been gracious to you with?

o God’s love: His overwhelming love and generosity. Regardless of our actions, He is generous and provides constant love. Thankfully this is not dependent on our works. This is clause-free contract!

o Our “Qualifications”: Thankfully, He is the sovereign God. He gave Paul the qualifications to be used as a vessel to be an apostle. He is who qualifies us to do His work.

“… and His grace to me was not without effect.”

· What are some of your spiritual gifts? God has given me the gift of being organized and good with time, being the group-caretaker (aka “mom”), and a passion for kids with special needs.

· These gifts should be magnified with our prayer and meditation. It does require some effort to cultivate God’s grace, but it is something that will last eternally.

· All of these gifts of grace from God should be cultivated, not going unnoticed. This is where they can be used to love others well.

“No, I worked harder than all of them…”

“… yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. “

· This work was not completed through his own power. After seeing the accomplishments and being used to bring people to Jesus, he knew it wasn’t his power or wisdom that should be given credit.

God’s grace is an intangible yet powerful gift. This grace doesn’t stop because we are in a rough patch or feel distant from God; it’s continuous! So if it is always there, are we cultivating it? What gifts do we have? How are we using them? And when we are telling of the great outcomes, to whom are we attaining the glory, honor, and power to?

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found;

Was blind, but now I see.

Lord, please continue to show me the offensive ways in me, so that I may see my deep need of your grace and know your sufficient love that meets my every need. Amen.

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Hello! My name is Victoria Taylor and I am from Richmond, Virginia. I am a Psycholohy Major with minors in Biology and Leadership at Christopher Newport University. Right now I am doing research at CNU and want to become an Occupational Therapist. I love being outside and I love children! I have been blessed with a great community through CRU; I led community team for a short time, led a small group this past year, and have the opportunity to lead again next year! I have experienced a lot of growth and recieved many blessings while at CNU, so I am looking forward to these next 2 years I have left!