GRACE: HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

Life took my sister-in-law Mary and me on many detours, often including a Dunkin' Donuts drive-thru.

Mary always placed the order because I was too proud to reveal my latest habit.

"Two large coffees with "extra, extra, extra" cream, please,” Mary asked sweetly. Then she inched closer to the drive-thru speaker to ensure they understood what she wanted.

“Actually, make that 11."

It took a while for the barista's shock to wear off.

"Did you say 11 creams?"

To someone who didn't know Mary better, her request to drain an entire cow's udder was an undeserved entitlement, a sign of weakness, and an insult to full-strength coffee drinkers everywhere.

But Mary didn't back down in the silence; she knew how bitter a dark cup could taste. Much to my embarrassment, she tried a sip and returned it to the Dunkin’ Donuts employee with an additional ask.

“This could use a little more light."

Isn't that what we thirst for during our longest roads and hopeless hours? More light, more hope, more grace, and more Jesus to bring us through.

We need more to sustain us than this world can serve up.

Unlike the barista, Jesus never hesitates to pour His love into our lives.

So why do we stop short of asking for the "extra, extra, extra" we desperately need?

Perhaps you believe the more you ask of God, the less He'll think of you.

But God revealed His heart when He sent His only begotten Son to die in your place. How much more will He continue to provide every drop of strength you’ll need today?

God says:

"My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."

(2 Corinthians 12:9a)

God doesn't take offense at your inability to swallow your feelings or stir up your faith.

So, humble yourself before Him; admit your faults and lack, and your cup will overflow with Christ’s power to endure.

My sister Mary lived out this truth. I watched God’s “extra, extra, extra” grace fill and carry her through every detour until she finally made it Home.

When you’re weary and think you can’t go on, lay your request before the Savior without shame or reservation.

Some days call for “extra, extra, extra” cream.

On other days, you might even need 11.

Receive God’s grace upon grace upon grace today.

“So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9b)