Grace and Trust

Although I don’t handle suffering well, I have observed others who do. These amazing individuals have somehow learned how to suffer with grace and trust.

In Christian theology, grace, (charis in Greek), is commonly defined as unmerited favor. When grace takes over, one is no longer operating from a human perspective, but under divine influence. There is a nonsensical quality about those who are operating under the influence of God. (However, not everything that is nonsensical is from God!)

Trust—especially during times of suffering—is extremely difficult. It involves relying on a power other than your own.

“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (2 Tim. 1:12 NIV)

“But I have no regrets. I couldn’t be more sure of my ground—the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what he’s trusted me to do right to the end.” (same verse from MSG)

While grace is God’s gift to us, trust is how we return the favor. Grace is God’s part of the equation, and trust is our part.