Continuing in the Grace of God: A Daily Journey
(Inspired by today’s "Day by Day by Grace" devotional by Bob Hoekstra, with gratitude for his insights.)
“When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord…Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.”(Acts 11:23; 13:43)
Evidence of Grace: A Reason for Joy
Wherever the grace of God is at work, it leaves a tangible mark—one that brings joy to all who witness it. When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he was filled with gladness upon seeing the evidence of God's transforming grace. Lives were being changed, and hearts were being turned to the Lord. Yet, he knew that this initial movement of grace was not the end of the journey but merely the beginning.
Barnabas offered words of encouragement, urging the new believers to continue in their relationship with the Lord. He understood that the Christian life is about much more than a single moment of faith; it is about an ongoing, life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. As Jesus Himself prayed, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
Grace for Today, Grace for Every Day
Later, Barnabas and Paul encountered another group of believers in Pisidia. Here, they delivered a similar exhortation: to continue not only in their relationship with the Lord but also in the grace of God. This distinction reveals an important truth about the Christian life: the grace that saves us is the same grace that sustains us.
It is a common mistake to relegate God’s grace to the past—to remember it fondly as the means by which we were saved, without recognizing its necessity for every day of our walk with Christ. Grace is not a one-time event; it is the ongoing power of God working in and through us. As Paul reminds us, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 8:9). To continue in the grace of God is to depend on Him daily, trusting Him for both our needs and our growth.
A Call to Purposeful Continuation
Barnabas encouraged the believers in Antioch to continue with the Lord “with purpose of heart” (Acts 11:23). This phrase suggests intentionality and determination. The Christian life is not passive; it requires a conscious decision to abide in Christ, to seek His presence, and to rely on His grace.
How do we do this? By daily turning to Him in prayer, immersing ourselves in His Word, and walking in humble dependence on the Holy Spirit. Continuing in grace is not about striving in our own strength but about surrendering to His strength. It is about trusting that the same grace that brought us into a relationship with Christ will carry us forward, transforming us into His likeness.
Encouragement for the Journey
Where are you today in your walk with the Lord? Perhaps you are rejoicing in His grace, or maybe you feel distant, weary, or stuck. Wherever you are, the invitation remains the same: continue in the grace of God. His grace is sufficient for every challenge, every joy, and every step of faith.
Let us heed Barnabas's exhortation to pursue the Lord with purpose of heart and to seek His grace anew each day. For in doing so, we will experience the fullness of life that Christ promises to all who trust in Him.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Father, we are so grateful for Your grace, which brought us into a relationship with You and continues to sustain us every day. Thank You for teaching us to rely on Your grace and for reminding us that it is always available, fresh and sufficient for each moment. May our lives reflect our dependence on You, and may we pursue You with intentional, joyful hearts. Amen.