Empowered by Grace
Daily Rays of Hope #88
Empowered by Grace
Based on Titus 2:11–12 (NIV)
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions,
and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
— Titus 2:11–12 (NIV)
Grace is more than a free gift of salvation—it is power. The grace of God doesn’t just rescue us from sin; it equips us to rise above it. Through His grace, we are empowered to walk in self-control, discipline, and strength as we journey with Christ. In a world full of temptation and distraction, God’s grace is our anchor, our teacher, and our strength.
Titus 2:11–12 makes this truth clear. Grace “teaches us”—that is, grace instructs, disciplines, and develops us. It doesn’t leave us where it found us. It transforms us so that we can live self-controlled and godly lives. This isn’t willpower—it’s Spirit-empowered living. Grace gives us the ability to choose righteousness when the flesh wants to choose compromise.
We see this echoed in 2 Peter 1:3, which declares, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us.” That includes the self-discipline needed to resist temptation, the discernment to avoid worldly passions, and the strength to walk uprightly in a fallen world.
The Apostle Paul understood this well when he wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:13:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
There is always a way of escape. Grace doesn’t mean we’ll never feel the pull of temptation, but it means we never have to be ruled by it. God’s faithfulness provides us a door out, and grace gives us the strength to walk through it.
The journey of discipline is not one of perfection but of direction. Each day, we are invited to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). But we do this not in our own strength, but in the strength God supplies through His Spirit. That’s why Galatians 5:22–23 lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit—it’s cultivated in us by the presence of God Himself.
To walk in grace is to walk in alignment with the character and calling of Christ. Ephesians 4:1 exhorts us, “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” This is not a life of striving but of surrender—a life shaped by the grace that both saves and sanctifies.
When we surrender to grace, we don’t just avoid sin—we live in freedom. We walk in peace. We are not tossed by the chaos of the world but rooted in the strength of our Savior. And over time, that strength builds a life of integrity, honor, and deep fulfillment in Christ.
Three Ways to Seek God’s Will and Walk This Scripture Daily:
1. Begin Each Day Surrendering to the Holy Spirit
Before the noise of the world begins, take time to invite the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. Ask for fresh grace to walk in self-control, uprightness, and spiritual awareness. Start your day with this simple prayer: “Lord, lead me not into temptation. Deliver me. Empower me by Your grace today.”
2. Practice Daily Discipline in Small Things
Whether it’s choosing not to respond in anger, turning off distractions to focus on prayer, or resisting unhealthy habits, let your daily decisions reflect a life of discipline. Small victories build spiritual muscle. Each choice to walk away from temptation is a step closer to freedom.
3. Speak the Word Over Your Life Throughout the Day
When temptation comes, don’t just think differently—speak differently. Declare scriptures like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) or “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). The Word of God is your sword—use it.
Final Encouragement
You don’t have to fight in your own strength. God’s grace is not only your covering—it’s your power source. His Spirit is at work within you to lead, correct, and strengthen you. Every time you choose surrender over self, you become more like Christ. Let His grace lead you today—not just into salvation, but into victory. Keep walking. Keep trusting. Grace will carry you through.