The Father’s Grace in My Life
The Father’s Grace in My Life
As a young boy, I never doubted that Jesus Christ was the Son of God or that He died, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later to redeem the world from its sin. Yet that act of love, and the fullness of its meaning, would not have its true impact on me until I was 23 years old and surrendered my life to Christ to be my Lord and Savior.
Now in my late fifties, I am more in awe of the Father’s grace and mercy than ever before. I’ve seen this grace, “God’s unmerited favor” or “God’s favor toward the unworthy” demonstrated time and time again in the 30+ years since I surrendered my life to Him. For example, I’ve learned to trust in His timely provision during employment trouble and financial hardship while leading my wife and five children through those storm clouds of uncertainty. It was His unmerited favor that led me to employment opportunities as I “networked” on my knees, petitioning Him to guide my career path. Applying the wisdom of the biblical principles of humility and gratefulness were foundational to living life surrendered to Him. This attitude of the heart has been an open window for His grace to operate in my life, making less room for selfish decisions that disrupt, and often destroy, the unity and peace of a family. There are countless other moments where the Father’s grace has been obviously present in decisions and outcomes and each time I was unworthy of the favor given me. It’s those treasured intervals of time that accumulate in my memory and encourage me to continue running the race set before me to get a crown that will last forever.
In summary, the advice I would give to a younger me is to surrender it all. Your dreams and desired outcomes belong to the Father. Trust Him to lead you on the path of purpose for His Kingdom while on this earth. For with certainty, He will add blessings along the way beyond what you could ever hope for, wish for, or imagine in this lifetime.
Don Keating lives in South Carolina along with his wife, Julie, and three of their five children who range in ages 17-25. Together, Don & Julie’s passion is helping young families thrive and grow in their personal relationship with Jesus.