Looking to Jesus

Today, I caught myself praying one of those prayers we sometimes make without having previously checked if it can be answered. With words that are said kind of mechanically, without having deeply thought about what they induce. 

This is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. 1 John, 5 : 14

In my prayer, I was asking the Lord to grant my family and I today, with His abundant grace. And suddenly, I realized that my prayer was useless. Even worse, it could be a flagrant demonstration and confession of incredulity while it was so sincere and apparently so humble.

It is right to bless our neighbor praying for grace and peace in Jesus Christ on him/her or directly pronouncing to him/her those words of blessing. Almost each epistle begins with such a blessing. But why should we pray it for ourselves?

Why should I ask God for the abundance of His grace when it is already pouring, at this very moment? Is it reasonable to ask for what is already here? Unless we do not believe it! Shouldn’t we rather ask God to give us a simple, humble and believing heart, eyes to see so we are able to receive this abundance without limit. Because grace is pouring, it’s pouring, pouring and pouring without stopping. It abundantly pours at this very moment as truly as God is alive and that He loves us!

Therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.. 2 Timothy, 2 :1

Grace is already in Christ Jesus (Christ in us). We are recommended to get strength from this grace already and constantly available.
And those who reign in life, who reign on their rebellious nature, over circumstances, over temptations are those who receive the abundance of grace. They are made capable to reign thanks to and through the inner power that is generously given to and pours within them, because of the living union with Christ, such a real union, although invisible to natural senses.

For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ. Romans, 5 :17

There is clearly an abundance of grace pouring in us. The living union that ties us to Christ, is similar to that of the branch that constantly and without any personal endeavor receives life from the tree.

Trusting in this extraordinary union with Christ in us, gazing at it, in our thoughts and faith, WILL trigger the reception of this grace. Do it ! This is what means looking to Jesus and reigning through Jesus. It will make us run to him, more and more, day after day.

and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith… Hebrews, 12 :1-2

The simple fact of continuously gazing at, thinking of, reminding us and meditating this invisible reality which is such an encouraging and tender truth, this will maintain us in its blessing, continually...
And if our heart suddenly begins to fear not to be able to maintain itself in this amazing communion and its extraordinary effects, be reassured: it’s Him who holds you and not you who hold Him. And thinking so, our look is softly redirected to Him in faith and the miracle resumes and continues.

don't boast over the branches. But if you boast, it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you.  Romans, 11 :18

The good news, the Gospel (Christ has forgiven, purified me and now lives in me) is a power for the salvation of anyone who believes it. Christ knows how to maintain us in Him by His Spirit. Let’s simply trust Him and His power to do so. He is a perfect Savior.

For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes  Romans, 1 :16

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