Like me, you may have grown up learning the “Sunday School” definition of grace—unmerited favor. And grace certainly is that. 

This concept of grace saturates our experience with God. By His grace, we believe in Christ (Acts 18:27), are saved (Eph.2:8), and are freely justified (Rom. 3:24). We “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence” (Heb. 4:16,NIV) as adopted sons and daughters of our king. 

This radical and extravagant acceptance and favor for broken people like you and me is the foundation upon which we stand. We are no longer weak and fearful captives to sin, but rather are strong and faithful champions in Christ, even when we don’t feel like it. 

But God doesn’t simply root us in His favor and leave us there. His grace moves us into partnership with Him in at least two ways:

• Grace empowers us for service. Paul writes, “I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me” (1 Cor. 15:10). 
  
• Grace grows us through trials. When Paul asked the Lord to remove his “thorn in the flesh,” the Lord responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). 
  

In these passages, we see a different type of grace . . .  a “gritty” grace. 

It’s the grace that says, God has work for us to do, and He offers His power for us to accomplish it.

It’s the grace that says, No matter what, we will grow through this together with God.

Christian educators, this is not the time to shrink back in fear or discouragement. His grace is sufficient. His grace empowers you to accomplish His work. You are not simply contracted, you are called. 

During this time of national crisis, let’s show the world the “gritty” grace of God that endures and demonstrates His power and love even in challenging circumstances.