Verse of the Day 5/18

Verse of the Day 5/18

1 Peter 4:10-11

New International Version

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

As I read these verses yesterday, what stood out was the word "various" reference to God's grace.  Other translations use the word "varied" which brought to mind 1 Peter 1:6 which speaks of "various trials" as well as James 1:2 which tells us that we will face various trials and not only that but to consider it joy as we face them.  Quite a challenge.

The good news is that God gives us the grace to face the multi faceted "various trials".  Often, the way He does so is to supply us that grace through the acts and prayers of other believers using their gifts, which themselves are bestowed on us by God's grace.

This all reminds me of the old Fannie Crosby hymn, "All the Way My Savior Leads Me" which speaks of this grace for every trial in the second stanza below.

1. All the way my Savior leads me,
   What have I to ask beside?
   Can I doubt His tender mercy,
   Who through life has been my Guide?
   Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
   Here by faith in Him to dwell!
   For I know, whate'er befall me,
   Jesus doeth all things well;
   For I know, whate'er befall me,
   Jesus doeth all things well.
2. All the way my Savior leads me,
   Cheers each winding path I tread,
   Gives me grace for every trial,
   Feeds me with the living Bread.
   Though my weary steps may falter
   And my soul athirst may be,
   Gushing from the Rock before me,
   Lo! A spring of joy I see;
   Gushing from the Rock before me,
   Lo! A spring of joy I see.

Are you facing a trial today?  May God supply you the grace to overcome it.  If you know of someone who is going through a trial, may you use one of your "gifts" to help them, by God's grace.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

1 Peter 4:7-11

New International Version

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.