Devotion 
The Shielding Power of Grace
David Jacobs 

I was reminded recently of a camping trip that we took with the teens at our church. One of those teens, who is now grown up, asked, "Hey, do you remember that day it was pouring rain all afternoon and evening, and Phil came in his truck with the supplies but wouldn't meet us at the tent, so you said we should vote on who has to get the supplies from him?" I told him, "Of course I remember, because all of the teens voted unanimously for me!" Luckily, one of the teens pulled out a big old orange plastic poncho and handed it to me.

Most commonly, when one of the teens asked me what grace is, I told them the straightforward definition: it is God's undeserved, unmerited favor. When I got back from Phil's truck, we had our dinner and then Bible study, and we discussed how God's grace is a lot like that big gazebo tent and that poncho. God's grace is our covering. It's the sphere we live in as believers in Christ, and God fully protects us whether we take shelter in the tent of his church, or we wander out on our own. God will still cover us with His grace.

Indeed, His grace never stops doing its work in our lives. Paul said confidently in Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Because God is the one keeping us and shielding us from the storm of this world, the one who promises to complete us, we will never have to fear to lose our salvation.

Through the pouring rain that day, it was even difficult to see Phil's truck, but still, I was kept dry, and I made it to the truck because I had seen the way. Sometimes it's difficult to see righteousness in ourselves because we know how flawed and how weak we are. But if we're saved in Christ, he is our righteousness, and if we know him, we will know the way to go.

Prayer 

Lord in Heaven, though I feel I am in a heavy storm and cannot see the way, I know that your grace will shield me and your wisdom will guide my feet. As you have been faithful to me, so I will have faith in your saving grace. As I walk with you in this storm, may I grow in Christ daily. In His name, Amen.