Grace That Builds Us Up

Just as bread slowly rises and fills the air with its aroma, so God’s grace steadily shapes us as we remain in His presence.

Devotional Credit:
Day by Day by Grace
By Bob Hoekstra

Photo Credit:
Unsplash

When Bob Hoekstra reflects on this passage from 1 Peter 2, he draws our attention to Jesus as the “living stone” who is both solid and tender, steadfast and responsive. This is not a picture of lifeless religion or cold doctrinal correctness. It is an invitation to continual relationship, where we come to Him again and again for the grace that not only sustains but builds us into what He has already declared us to be.

The Christian life is not about stockpiling spiritual facts or racking up religious activity. It is about coming to a Person. When we read the Scriptures, we come to meet Jesus, not merely to gather information. When we pray, we commune with Him, not simply recite words. When we worship, we sing to Him, not just about Him. Even in ministry, the goal is not simply the completion of a task, but the offering of it as a living sacrifice to the One we serve.

Hoekstra reminds us that the more we come to Jesus in this way, the more His grace builds us up into a “spiritual house” and a “holy priesthood.” He is shaping us to reflect His own stability and love. This building work is not something we muster through discipline alone. It flows as we draw from His life, moment by moment, trusting that the same grace that saved us continues to shape us.

And here is the beauty: Jesus does not ask us to figure this out alone. He is both the foundation stone and the builder. He knows exactly how to form us because He Himself is the pattern. Our role is simply to keep coming, to keep receiving, and to keep resting in His sufficiency.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

You are being built into something far greater than you can see now. I am your living stone, unshakable and unchanging, yet fully alive and attentive to you. As you come to Me, I am shaping you into My likeness. I have made you a living stone, and My life in you is what gives you stability and tenderness together.

When you open My word, come to meet Me there. When you pray, draw near with your heart, not just your words. When you worship, see My face as you sing. When you serve, let it be for My pleasure and not your recognition. In every act, turn toward Me.

My grace is not just enough to get you through the day; it is the very power that builds you into a spiritual house and makes you part of a holy priesthood. You are already Mine, and I delight to keep shaping you until you reflect My beauty. Stay near, for in My presence you will always find the edifying grace you need.

Scripture References: 1 Peter 2:4–5, Acts 20:32, Ephesians 2:19–22, Colossians 2:6–7, Hebrews 4:16, John 15:4–5, Romans 12:1–2, Philippians 1:6

Real-Life Analogy

Think about walking into a kitchen where fresh bread is baking. The aroma fills the air long before the bread is ready to eat. You cannot rush the process; the yeast needs time to work, the dough needs time to rise, and the heat needs time to transform it. But the moment you step into that kitchen, the fragrance tells you that something nourishing is being prepared.

Our life in Jesus is much like that. The transformation He is working in you is gradual, but the evidence begins to show as you stay in His presence. The aroma of His life becomes evident to those around you, not because you are trying harder, but because you are drawing nearer to Him. Today, when I encounter a situation that would tempt me to act in my own strength, I can pause and say, “Lord, I trust You to shape my response with Your life in me.”

Prayer of Confidence

Lord, I thank You that You are my living stone and that Your grace is building me up daily. I rest in the fact that You are both my foundation and my builder. I praise You that I do not have to work to become what You have already made me in Yourself. Today, I rejoice that Your presence in me is enough for every step, every word, and every task. I am grateful that You delight to make me more like You, and I trust You to keep shaping me in Your perfect way.