A Half Step Toward Grace
By Katrina Manning
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord’ let it be unto me according your word.”
Luke 1:38
Every day seems to present challenges that I just wish weren’t there. Whether it’s two-year-old Esther struggling to say, “Yes, please,” or shame grabbing hold of my thoughts and making my mind a mess—either can break me. In these moments, I don’t turn to Jesus. I sit in dissatisfaction and rest in my shame. I am more comfortable in the tension of brokenness than in the promise of redemption.
I don’t think I am running the race well.
I feel as though I am an “embarrassment to the cloud of witnesses.” I am unable–and sometimes unwilling–to “lay aside the weight.” The “sin which clings so closely” is not only stuck, but seems to be spreading. And “my endurance” is waning. The course feels like miles of uphill, and I am a sucker who believes I will never reach–and certainly do not deserve–a downhill on the other side.
Before I go further, don’t worry too much– I am working on it.
Advent calls and reminds us to hold firmly to hope, joy, peace, and love in all things and always. Hope endures. Joy endures. Peace endures. Love endures. As a long-time believer, my immediate and obligatory belief is, “Of course,” and “yes.” Hope and joy and peace and love are enduring–this is the truth I know and must cling to.
My grip may loosen, but I am learning to accept God’s abundant grace and steadfast patience–it is not lost on me. So long as I continue to confess, “I am a servant of the Lord, let it be unto me according to your word,” I am enough. You are enough.
We keep running (or jogging or walking or resting) together with Jesus right there, beside us. No matter the terrain—rigorous uphill or gentle slopes—He is with us, in stride, supporting us every step of the way.
I don’t think I am running the race well.
I feel as though I am an “embarrassment to the cloud of witnesses.” I am unable–and sometimes unwilling–to “lay aside the weight.” The “sin which clings so closely” is not only stuck, but seems to be spreading. And “my endurance” is waning. The course feels like miles of uphill, and I am a sucker who believes I will never reach–and certainly do not deserve–a downhill on the other side.
Before I go further, don’t worry too much– I am working on it.
Advent calls and reminds us to hold firmly to hope, joy, peace, and love in all things and always. Hope endures. Joy endures. Peace endures. Love endures. As a long-time believer, my immediate and obligatory belief is, “Of course,” and “yes.” Hope and joy and peace and love are enduring–this is the truth I know and must cling to.
My grip may loosen, but I am learning to accept God’s abundant grace and steadfast patience–it is not lost on me. So long as I continue to confess, “I am a servant of the Lord, let it be unto me according to your word,” I am enough. You are enough.
We keep running (or jogging or walking or resting) together with Jesus right there, beside us. No matter the terrain—rigorous uphill or gentle slopes—He is with us, in stride, supporting us every step of the way.
Reflective Question for the Day
Where do you need God’s endurance in the race set before you?
How can you take a half step forward to demonstrate your faithfulness to God and the furthering of His kingdom?
Katrina Manning would love a day filled with cooking or baking with her twin, Genevieve, and her newest little helper (and daughter), Esther. This is asking a lot from a two-year-old, so she more than happily settles for a day with Esther, where she gets a simple cup of coffee, and Esther gets her favorite Van Leeuwen chocolate ice cream with rainbow sprinkles.
Every year, Katrina looks forward to hosting a Christmas “Cookies and Cocktails” party with her husband, Brett. She makes sugar and gingerbread cookies for decorating, a super-extra charcuterie board, delicious and aromatic mulled wine, and a fun-something-festive that changes annually. She loves spreading the Christmas spirit.
Katrina watches too much television. So when she says “The Residence,” streaming on Netflix, is one of the best shows she has ever seen, it m i g h t mean something. It’s a murder-mystery— go watch it now.
*The series includes violence, adult themes, and a "murder at the White House" setting.
Every year, Katrina looks forward to hosting a Christmas “Cookies and Cocktails” party with her husband, Brett. She makes sugar and gingerbread cookies for decorating, a super-extra charcuterie board, delicious and aromatic mulled wine, and a fun-something-festive that changes annually. She loves spreading the Christmas spirit.
Katrina watches too much television. So when she says “The Residence,” streaming on Netflix, is one of the best shows she has ever seen, it m i g h t mean something. It’s a murder-mystery— go watch it now.
*The series includes violence, adult themes, and a "murder at the White House" setting.