The Forward-Looking Nature of Grace: Embracing God’s Plan for Our Lives

The Forward-Looking Nature of Grace: Embracing God’s Plan for Our Lives

In the journey of faith, grace is more than just a theological concept—it’s the foundation upon which the entire life of a believer is built. Grace is the unmerited favor of God that brings us into a relationship with Him, but it doesn’t stop there. Grace continues to shape and propel us forward, guiding us as we fulfill God’s plan for our lives.

Grace: The Foundation of Purpose

Everything in the life of a believer begins with grace. It is by grace that we are saved, as the Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” This saving grace is the cornerstone of our identity in Christ and the launching point for discovering our God-given purpose.

Grace is not just a one-time event at the moment of salvation; it is the continuous flow of God’s favor and power that sustains us throughout our lives. It is the foundation upon which we build our purpose, equipping us to walk in the good works that God has prepared for us. Without grace, we would be unable to even begin to understand or pursue the purpose God has for us.

Grace Looks Forward, Not Backward

One of the most powerful aspects of grace is that it is forward-looking. Grace does not dwell on our past mistakes or hold us captive to them. Instead, it offers forgiveness, redemption, and a fresh start. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Grace invites us to step into this newness of life, free from the bondage of our former selves and past sins.

In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul shares a key insight into the nature of grace: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Here, we see that grace is always moving us forward, urging us to forget what is behind and press on toward what God has in store for us.

Embracing the Future with Grace

In the life of a believer, grace is the driving force that propels us forward. It frees us from the past, empowers us in the present, and guides us into the future. By grounding our purpose in grace, we acknowledge that it is not by our strength or merit that we fulfill God’s plan, but by His unmerited favor and power working through us.

As we continue to walk in grace, let us embrace the future with hope and confidence, knowing that God’s grace is always leading us forward. Let us forget what lies behind and press on toward the goal, trusting that God’s grace will guide us every step of the way.

In every season of life, grace is our foundation, our empowerment, and our forward momentum. It is the key to living a life that not only honors God but also fulfills the unique purpose He has for each of us. Let us live in the fullness of God’s grace, always looking ahead to the great things He has in store, winning the inner battles that allow us to step into the future He has prepared for us.

Embracing the Present

While grace is forward-looking, it is also important for us to fully embrace the present. To move into the future that God has prepared for us, we must first be present and active in our current circumstances. Embracing the present means engaging with what God is doing in our lives right now—listening to His voice, obeying His promptings, and growing in the areas He is working on within us.

Embracing the present involves being mindful of where we are in our journey with God, recognizing His grace at work in our daily lives, and responding to His guidance. It’s about making the most of today, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient for whatever challenges or opportunities we face. This active participation in the present is what prepares us for the future God has in store.

How to Succeed in Life as a Christian: Winning the Inner Battle

I told you about the Who and What of grace, now here is the How - how do I walk out my life of faith through grace? It begins by winning the inner battle.

To truly move into the future that God has prepared for us, we must first win the inner battle. The journey into our future, especially one that aligns with God’s purpose, often requires us to confront and overcome the internal struggles that can hold us back—doubts, fears, past wounds, insecurities, or sinful patterns.

The Bible frequently speaks to the importance of dealing with our inner life—our thoughts, attitudes, and the condition of our hearts—because these shape our actions and ultimately determine the direction of our lives. Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” This highlights that what’s going on inside us is crucial to how we live and move forward.

Winning the inner battle and succeeding in life as a Christian means engaging in practices that keep us connected to God’s grace and power:

1. Renewing Our Mind: Romans 12:2 (NKJV) encourages us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation comes as we align our thoughts with God’s truth, replacing lies or negativity with His promises and perspectives.

2. Dealing with Sin: Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV) urges us to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us,” so that we can run with endurance the race set before us. Confronting and overcoming sin is a vital part of winning the inner battle.

3. Cultivating Faith Over Fear: Moving into our future requires faith—trusting that God is with us and that His plans are good, even when we cannot see the full picture. Battling and overcoming fear is a key aspect of stepping into the future God has for us.

4. Embracing God’s Grace: Grace is not only for forgiveness but also for empowerment. Winning the inner battle means relying on God’s grace to overcome weaknesses, as Paul did when he declared, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).

5. Healing and Forgiveness: Sometimes, our past hurts or grudges can prevent us from moving forward. Part of the inner battle is seeking healing and choosing to forgive, as Jesus taught us, so that we can move forward unencumbered.

6. Daily Immersion in God’s Word: The Bible is the primary means by which God renews our minds and guides us. Regular reading and meditation on Scripture equip us with the truth we need to navigate life’s challenges and grow in our faith.

7. Consistent Prayer: Prayer is our lifeline to God. Through prayer, we not only communicate our needs and desires to God, but we also listen for His guidance and direction. Consistent, heartfelt prayer helps us stay aligned with God’s will and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

8. Relying on the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live the Christian life. In my experience, what is often called the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” was transformative, renewing my mind and enabling me to walk in greater alignment with God’s purposes. We must seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and rely on His strength daily.

9. Community and Accountability: Being part of a Church provides support, encouragement, and accountability. Fellow believers can help us stay on track, pray for us, and offer wisdom as we seek to grow in our faith.

10. Obedience and Surrender: True success in the Christian life comes from obedience to God’s commands and surrendering our will to His. This requires humility and a willingness to trust that God’s plans are better than our own.

When we focus on winning these inner battles and cultivating these practices, we clear the path for God to lead us into the future He has prepared for us. It allows us to step forward with confidence, knowing that we are not held back by the things that once entangled us. In this way, winning the inner battle is a crucial step toward walking in the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives.

Let us live in the fullness of God’s grace, always looking ahead to the great things He has in store, and succeeding in life as Christians by walking in His truth, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit.