Grace and Mercy
God's special reserves of grace are available to us in times of need, and we can access them by seeking divine direction and following it.
Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of being prepared for both trials and blessings without knowing what they will be, by seeking divine direction daily and accepting present responsibilities and discipline. He highlights the need to trust in God's special reserves of grace for special needs, assuring that if we face trials beyond our capacity, God will provide the necessary grace from His throne. Stanford encourages believers to boldly approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace in times of need.
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"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
If and when the trial comes, you will find Him waiting there.
"We should always be prepared for circumstances that will arise, and for blessings that are to come, without foreseeing what these circumstances and blessings will be. This preparation consists in attention to present responsibility, and acceptance of present discipline.
"If day by day we first seek divine direction, and then follow it, we shall be ready, when new circumstances arise, for the new blessings which will be offered. Today should be preparation for tomorrow. The only proof that we shall be equal to tomorrow's test is that we are meeting today's test believingly and courageously. The only evidence that we shall be willing for God's will tomorrow is that we are subject to His will today. " -W.G. S.
"Our Lord has special reserves of grace for special needs. If ever you feel that you could not go through a certain trial, that if you had to face that, you just could not go through with it, you are taking on something that you have no right to take on.
"If the Lord calls you to go through fire or water, He has a special reserve of grace for you in that. And that grace will be from the throne of grace. It is the throne above, mediating grace for need and suffering as it is required." -T. A-S.
"Let us. . . come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need " (Hebrews 4:16).
Sermon Outline
- Preparation for Trials and Blessings
- Seeking Divine Direction
- God's Special Reserves of Grace
- Special reserves for special needs
- Grace from the throne of grace
Key Quotes
“If day by day we first seek divine direction, and then follow it, we shall be ready, when new circumstances arise, for the new blessings which will be offered.” — Miles J. Stanford
“The only proof that we shall be equal to tomorrow's test is that we are meeting today's test believingly and courageously.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- We should daily seek divine direction and follow it to be prepared for trials and blessings.
- We can access God's special reserves of grace by coming boldly to the throne of grace.
- We should be subject to God's will today in order to be willing for His will tomorrow.