Come Boldly

Come Boldly

There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16

MANY PEOPLE SEE THE THRONE OF GOD as one of judgment, the seat of someone with an unbending will, a place of impermeable glory that incorporates no human agendas. But Scripture emphasizes his throne as one of grace, a place of compassion and help, where a Father has paid an extravagant price for his children to come rushing in without hindrance. His presence is where our deepest, highest, most personal needs and desires are met.

That means our journey of faith should always lead us there first. His throne is not a place where we will hear, “How dare you ask such a thing!” or “Sorry, your faith just doesn’t measure up.” We will not be informed of how unqualified or undeserving we are, how far off the mark our prayers have strayed, or how inappropriately we are standing where others grovel. We may be gently redirected and reshaped, patiently instructed, and compassionately told to wait, but we will not be summarily dismissed. Our prayers will not be shot down. We have been invited before God, not merely to show up but to enter boldly. His throne is a place of encouragement.

You need to remember that in your prayer life. There will be days when you wonder how long you must wait or whether God has even heard you. As your faith is being stretched, pulled, strained, pressed, and nearly broken, you will need to rely on the grace of your Father to give you an encouraging word, point you to some sign of his working, and surround you with supportive fellowship. You will need seasons of refreshing that only grace can bring.

Ask for them. Don’t be afraid to tell your Father when you need some encouragement to stoke the fires of faith. Don’t act as if he has left you alone in this journey. Let him help you along. He not only waits for the time of fulfillment; he will walk with you all the way there. Boldly bring your faith before him, and boldly ask him for the grace to sustain it. He is always willing to meet you where you need him most.

He rides at ease whom the grace of God carries.