For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV
The restaurant was packed but we decided to stay despite the lack of privacy between tables. This was an opportunity for our son and his wife to have a good meal and a relaxing time while we tried to keep the kids entertained. My husband and I did our best—singing, talking, telling stories, playing—never aware that someone watched from a distant table. As we prepared to pay the bill, the waitress told us the meal was already paid for.
“What?” I replied in astonishment. Then she said with a smile that the man who just left paid our entire check.
I was speechless! I ran outside thinking that we did not deserve this unexpected gift. I needed to see this generous man. He saw me coming and smiled. I said, “Thank you for your amazing kindness to us. We don't deserve it.”
With a bigger smile, he replied, “You are such wonderful grandparents!”
Have you ever lived in a culture or family where you had to do something to deserve something? Or have you ever felt that your best was never enough or that nobody sees what you do? This distorted and crooked feeling often leads us to devalue ourselves in God’s eyes. It also creates in our minds a wrong picture of God—who He is, and how He sees us as His children.
Talking to women in many parts of the world, I have found so much grief, guilt, and sorrow as a result of this wrong thinking. Praise God—He has a different message for you and me today. He did not say, “Do more; this is not enough; you do not deserve anything.” No. Scripture says the Lord knows how we are formed, and He remembers that we are made of dust (Psalm 103:14, NIV). To Him, we are precious “dust.”
As you start the day, do not listen when the enemy says you don’t deserve anything. Instead, listen to what Jesus says. He made you worthy because salvation is a gift, not a result of your works. Your redemption is paid for.
Dear Jesus, although my mind cannot fully understand all that You went through to pay my salvation, I thank You for paying the price—the complete price—to set me free! Amen.
Raquel Arrais is currently the Director of five departments in the Northern-Asia-Pacific Division of SDA
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