Plea for Grace

When You Just Want to Throw in the Towel

Posted on: August 16, 2008

Psalm 73:1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.

“Why do I work so hard?  Why am I so tired?  Does it really matter?  Does anyone even care?”


“God, don’t you even notice how they are getting away with their sin?  I’m telling them Your Word, and Your truths, but they don’t listen.  They must think I’m an idiot for believing all this, because they purposely disobey Your law, and nothing happens.  Why are You so merciful?”





“Lord, has it really been worth it?  Does what I’ve dedicated my life to, what I’ve sacrificed my health for, really make a difference in Your kingdom?  I’m so tired.  Sometimes it’s just so hard to get up in the morning.”



“I don’t want to be a stumbling block to anyone.  I want to be an encouragement, Father.  I want to make people thirsty for You; I want my life to cause them to be hungry for Your Word and Your ways.  But those who don’t give a rip about You have such an easy life — vacation homes, nice cars, lots of money to just throw around and spend on themselves.  They don’t budget; shop the sales; do without; economize.  They have fun and don’t worry about anyone but themselves.  It just doesn’t make sense.”



“Oh, that’s right; it’s not about me, is it.  This is about You; Your sovereignty; Your everlasting love; Your mercy and grace.”




“Lord, how could I even think for a minute that it would be easier to walk away from You, to disobey You, to live my own life.  I’ve been down that road; it nearly destroyed me!  You are a just and holy God, and you will not leave any injustice without executing judgment.  You can see the end, as well as the now.  You aren’t fooled by anyone; every sin will be held to account.”

“I’ve forgotten that mercy and grace are given to the undeserving.  If we could “deserve” mercy, then it would be merit, not mercy; wages, not grace.  I love Your grace; I depend on Your mercy to me.  But I don’t deserve it any more than anyone else.  My sin isn’t ‘less than’ — sin is sin and I have been so blind as to think that I could go my own way and You wouldn’t care or act.”



“Oh, God, what a hypocrite I am!!!  Please forgive my arrogance and lack of love for those who are far from You!  It’s not their wickedness that has torn me apart; it’s my bitterness and envy, which is just as wicked.  I repent of my prideful heart; thank You for Your mercy and grace to me.”



 “Oh, how grateful I am to be Your child!  You have promised to be with me always, and You are!  Keep me clinging to Your Word, so that I will be guided by Your counsel, and so my heart will be tender toward You.  Give me Your eyes to see the world as You see it; give me a heart that breaks for those who have turned away from You, not a heart that envies them or becomes bitter because they don’t “listen to me.”  Lord, I want the “me” to be removed, so that people see only You.”

“Lord, I can’t think of anything I would rather do than Your will.  I have nowhere else to go.  You are the One who has eternal life to offer.  Why would I settle for anything less than an eternity–starting right now–with You as my best friend, my King, my Master, my Good Shepherd?!”

“If heart pain and decreased lung function and rheumatoid arthritis and a broken voice and exhaustion and weakness are on Your path for displaying Your glory in this broken and hurting world, then I joyfully accept this assignment.  You are my strength in weakness; You are my energy, my endurance.  Your Words are the ones I want to whisper or type.  Prayer needs no vocalizing; listening requires ears, not a voice.  My hands my hurt, but they can still render Your touch for a broken soul.  I can still weep Your tears; I can still display Your smile.”

“No time invested in people for whom You gave Your only Son is ever wasted time.  No resources given in obedience to You are just thrown away.  No words spoken in obedience are wasted.  I am responsible to obey; You are responsible for the outcome.  What freedom that brings!”


      and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.


“Oh, Lord, I pray that those who have walked away from You will come home.  I don’t want them to be destroyed in their sin.  Thank You for Your mercy and grace.  I am so exceedingly grateful that You have drawn me near You.  I am safe in You.  And, Father, even if no one ever listens or hears, I will never stop shouting (metaphorically speaking) from the rooftops how amazing and wonderful You are!”

I want to know what you think!


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