Nougat 27

Feeling low in spirits, a bit thin and meh? Today’s Holy Nougat offers us the strength to persevere.

“God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Godly Reserves

Initially I was challenged by the phrase ‘every kind of grace’, as I have always thought God’s grace was Uni-dimensional. I mean, isn’t God’s grace just undeserved mercy? And if not, what is it?

A visit to Strongs for the background indicates that grace has multiple nuances including favour, acceptable, benefit, thanks, pleasure and bounty. If this undefined grace is to be better understood, we ought to consider the context of the nougat.

Here Paul is finalizing the appeal on behalf of the Macedonian church, whom he’s already advised of the Corinthian support. Interestingly enough, his appeal wavers between confidence in their generosity and encouragement to give one more time. Anticipating the potential argument of low reserves (and we have all been there in some ways) Paul assures them of God’s guaranteed provision.

That’s the grace – unexpected provision, or perhaps more contextually accurate, God’s reciprocal provision. Because Paul introduces the premise of the harvest with the response to Macedonia as the seed. It is worth noting though that the return on investment, based on the stirring phrase, ‘more than enough of every kind of grace’, is not necessarily in the same currency given.

Having everything we need is not always from material sources. Giving to God’s people, especially in our society can include more than cash. And there are many many needs around us. The various crises in our world demand a plurality of responses, which leaves scope for us to heed the Macedonian call. Cash, food, clothing, bedding and furniture, housing, advocacy, emotional support, general support, and of course, prayer, are but a few ways we can accompany others.

When we check our reserves, it may be low. It might be that we are the ones in need. That’s where grace and faith in God’s grace and favor come in. For God promises we will have everything we need always.

Need, not want. Always, not sometimes.

This promise is tied to a culture and attitude of giving. Being low on whichever reserves then, truly opens up the door to God’s Grace – the bountiful storehouse of provisions for all our various needs.

Still feeling low. Check the cause, and surrender all to God. We might be invited to share from our reserves; or our giving credit will open up for us what we need for this phase of our journey. We give freely in anticipation of the reciprocal return and in the knowledge that God has more than enough to support us as needed.

Selah

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May all we seek be found in Christ