St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Gilroy CA
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The Rector's Corner
The State of Grace Is Not Our Fault
A lot of times I find myself reminded of one aspect of God's grace that we all sometimes forget, and usually when we need it the most: We need to seek His Face regardless of the state our own face may be in. Sometimes I feel as if I have the world by the tail and under control, and other times it seems so out of control that nothing could make it right. Other times I feel so out of touch with God and the universe that I figure I am unworthy to even ask for God's help. In a similar...and definitely less frequent situation for me...when I think I am really doing well in my walk with the Lord , that especially---I need to remember that I am still very far from being fully in His image. It is in fact only because He wills to be near us, that He ever is.
The fact is. it is precisely when our walk is less than straight, or our moral resolve is less than focused, that is when we need to call out to Him. It is a shame -- and probably the devil's own lie--that we can get the idea that somehow God only wants us to pray, or even declare His greatness, when we have somehow arrived. Fact is, until that Day comes when we are finally in His presence, we will never have Arrived anywhere. In this life, we are only forgiven sinners in progress, a work of art in process, whether we feel like art or not.
So the next time you are tempted to neglect your prayers, withhold your Christian witness, or to stifle that cry for God's help to save you from what seems a bottomless pit, don't. Don't ever stop praying, or crying out to the only One who can help. Just because you have suddenly become aware of your human frailty, don't give into that temptation especially. Even if you find you have given into other temptations lately, this above all others is the one to resist.
When you discover to your horror that your feet still look a lot like clay, and crumbling by the minute, pray. Call out to Him whose righteousness and power to overcome even your weakness never waivers. Prayer works and God cares. Even when we think we have it right.
Be bold in your witness, anyway. Declare His glory especially when you realize how dim your own glory is. He is holy enough for you even in your most foolish of days. And His grace will always see you through.
Welcome to the Season of Pentecost!
