A Ministry of Mercy and Grace
Like a revolving door moved by unseen power, so grace carries us forward in the ministry God has entrusted to us.
Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash
God has not called us to a ministry grounded in merit or personal qualification. Instead, He has drawn us into a service marked by mercy and grace—originating in His compassion and carried out by His supply. The apostle Paul reminds us that our ministry flows from mercy: we were not worthy, but we were forgiven, cleansed, and brought near. Not only that, but we were also entrusted with Kingdom work, not because of our accomplishments but because of His mercy.
Our calling is also wrapped in grace. We do not operate in our own strength or sustain our roles by sheer willpower. Rather, we serve from the overflow of God’s grace, which enables us to endure even when circumstances seem crushing or confusing. Like Paul, we may be troubled outwardly and inwardly, but we do not lose heart—not because we’re unshaken, but because we are upheld by something greater than ourselves.
When weariness or fear threatens our hearts, we are invited to consider Christ—our faithful forerunner who faced hostility, betrayal, and rejection yet pressed on by the power of the Spirit. His victorious path becomes our assurance: just as the Father sustained the Son, so He will sustain us. Mercy covers our past; grace carries us forward. So, we come boldly to the throne—not as one who begs, but as beloved vessels who receive what has already been lavished upon us in Christ.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit
You are not standing in this ministry by your own worth. I drew you into this life because of My mercy. I saw your sin and I chose to forgive, to redeem, and to commission you—not reluctantly, but gladly. I appointed you to serve not with trembling fear of failure, but with quiet confidence in Me. My mercy made you Mine; My grace enables you to walk in what I’ve given.
When trouble presses in, remember that you are not the source of your own strength. You are the vessel through which My grace flows. Even when fear flickers within or opposition stirs around you, do not retreat. Consider Jesus—He did not give up in the garden, nor did He lash out at the cross. He trusted the Father, and through that trust, He triumphed. So will you.
My grace is not an occasional relief—it is a constant supply. My mercy is not a moment of leniency—it is the backdrop of your calling. Draw near, not hesitantly, but boldly. You are welcomed at the throne, not because you earned your place, but because Christ made you worthy. Stand in the ministry I’ve given you, and do not lose heart. I will finish what I began.
Scriptures referenced: 2 Corinthians 4:1, Titus 3:5, 1 Timothy 1:12–13, Ephesians 3:7, 2 Corinthians 7:5, Hebrews 12:3, Hebrews 4:16
Real-Life Analogy
It’s like walking through a revolving door. You don’t push with effort; you simply step in, and the motion carries you forward. The power behind the door does the work—you just walk with it. Ministry in grace is the same. You enter by mercy, and you move forward as grace carries you.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that I stand in Your mercy, not in my merit. You’ve entrusted me with this calling, not because of what I’ve done, but because of what Christ has done. I rejoice that Your grace is my supply, and I walk forward without fear of failure, knowing that You have already provided all I need. When trouble rises, I remember Jesus—and I trust You to carry me just as You carried Him. My heart rests in the confidence that You will complete the work You’ve begun in me.