GRACE IN NEED

Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence,

so that we may receive mercy and find grace

to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4.16

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 9.9

"In time of need," oppression or trouble, we can come to God's throne for refuge and abiding with Christ.

For each and every time of trouble/oppression, there is grace to be obtained.

As we approach the Lord in prayer, we

"Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord..."

2 Peter 3.18

When we approach the Lord's throne in prayer, He directs us to the Scripture where the Holy Spirit reveals words of His grace for our immediate need.

This work of grace also reveals weaknesses and prepares us to receive His strength.

"My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness....

When I am weak, then I am strong."

2 Corinthians 12.9-10

His grace to make us strong is revealed to us when we begin to search the Scriptures to find what He wants to tell us about our specific weakness.

As we read Scripture about our weakness, the Holy Spirit reveals God in His wisdom, power, holiness, righteousness, compassion, patience, love, faithfulness, and forgiveness.

Then He shows us His promises and directions He will fulfill in our behalf, and much, much more, of course, more than we can ask or think, great and mighty things which we have no idea of at the time.

All of this brings us the fulfillment of Phil. 2.1--

"...encouragement from being united with Christ,

comfort from His love, fellowship with the Spirit,

tenderness and compassion..."

We are then prepared to help others as the Lord has helped us:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles,

so that we can comfort those in any trouble

with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

2 Cor. 1.3-4