Do you find yourself approaching a new phase of life? My thoughts lately have been how God’s grace progresses through our years. Have you found this to be true for yourself? Perhaps you needed more grace with little ones than you did as newlyweds. No doubt you needed more grace with teenagers than you did in those earlier years. Many find themselves needing more grace as empty nesters, and yet as we age, still we need more grace as we near Home. The point is, with each progression of life there is the need for more grace.
More grace is exactly what James 4:6 promises. “But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’.” If you find yesterday’s grace is not sufficient for today’s decisions, then take heart in this verse. There is more grace God has for you. If you are facing job loss, a cancer diagnosis, divorce, or grieving the death of a loved one, there is more grace in God’s vast storehouse, and the wonderful news is that He promises to give it.
There is a pathway to the riches of God’s grace, and the path is paved with humility. James 4:6 makes it clear that God opposes the proud. Pride and arrogance withhold God’s blessings, while humility unleashes them. James is going to explain to us how to reject pride, and how we can grow more humble.
In verse seven, he instructs us to submit to God and to resist the devil. This is a beautiful place to be when the circumstances of life are beyond your control. People often ask me if I think God has caused my blindness or if it is Satan. Do you know my answer? It is James 4:7. I submit to the plans and purposes of God, while resisting the plots and discouragements of the enemy. James is going to tell us the outcome of humble and submissive hearts. Notice James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
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