Approaching the Throne of Grace with Confidence

Yesterday I met for the first time with a new friend for prayer, Bible study, and accountability regarding a certain area of temptation that we both face.

As is often the case whenever I’m trying something new, I really (really!) wanted to back out at the last minute. New = scary, at least for me. (Not cooking level of scary or anything, but scary nonetheless.)

But I also really (really!) wanted to meet. Not with any “twelve step plan for victory” or spreadsheet of organized temptations & relevant Scriptures or even with any “big goal” in mind. But just for friendship and companionship along life’s journey—and for encouragement to remember what I know to be true, to believe it, and lay hold of it with all of my emotions and energies and thoughts and actions.

Because it’s one thing to believe something. It’s another thing to actually live it out. For that? We really require help—the present means of grace. The Body (the Church). The Holy Spirit. The Living, Active Word of God. Our baptism. The Lord’s Supper.

Friends.

Ahhh, friends. They don’t just “happen,” do they? Friendship, real relationship, takes time and effort. Vulnerability. An investment.

I’m always amazed when someone is willing to be my friend! To sit across from this godly young woman and learn with her? To enjoy her gifts and mind and passions? To help bear her burdens and have the privilege of praying for her? All while I know she is praying for me too? What an honor.

Especially when you consider that I just told her a bunch of my JUNK and she didn’t go running from the room in abject terror or disgust. No. Our casual acquaintanceship / sister in Christ / member of the same church but don’t really know each other relationship took one little step toward a genuine relationship. And I’m grateful. Very grateful.

And all throughout this day, when I was tempted for really no reason at all—tired, frustrated, a little scared by the size of some tasks before me—I was just a little quicker to repent. I prayed just a little more. I sang a hymn. I remembered truth:

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

Mmmmmmmmm ….

I’m praying that as you go throughout your day today, you will boldly approach the throne of grace with confidence!
And that you will do so with even just one or two authentic friends around you.

We’re not meant to be alone!
We are created for fellowship—with God and with neighbor.

Time to cuddle with my little snuggle bear while she enjoys her afternoon nap.

Blessings,
Tara B.