Years ago, I visited New York City with my sister Jackie. One of the highlights of our trip was being in the audience of a morning television show. Jackie and I hustled to leave our hotel shortly after sunrise. We arrived at the studio early, but not early enough.

All the audience seats were taken. The people in line before us had been there for hours. Then a producer of the show appeared.

Out of a crowd of many possibilities, he picked us to go to the front row. Apparently, producers can do that. We met the show’s hosts and appeared on national television. I knew the space the producer made for us was something we could never make for ourselves. 

A small Girl Scout troop was slightly ahead of us in line. With their proudly worn badges and cute berets, I wondered why the producer didn’t choose them. However, he repeatedly signaled to us. Initially, we hesitated to follow. Our good fortune didn’t seem fair; but grace never is.

Sometimes, when we least expect it, we get to sit on the row of what’s favorable. Other times, as we go through life’s experiences, we count the badges we’ve earned and wonder why they don’t immediately get us where we want to go.

Yet, God’s grace is always greater than my hustle.

By hustle, I mean our often-hurried pace to get more, be more, or do more to reach a desired goal.

However, God is the Producer of the heavens, the earth, and our lives. Through Jesus, He is also our Redeemer. We can’t be enough or do enough to earn His gift of salvation. But through faith in Christ, we can receive it by His grace. (Ephesians 2:8 and 9)

It is God’s unmerited favor given out of His invincible love and His immense mercy toward us. Overwhelmed by His grace, the Apostle Paul wrote these words:

“For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen” (Romans 11:34‭-‬36 NLT).

Through faith in Christ, we’re forgiven of our sins and seated with Him in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 2:4-7) Now that’s the best seat ever! But for all the glory to go to God, all other factors fade. How much more does this same grace show up in our daily lives?

Whether it feels like we’re waiting in line for a blessing or struggling with a burden, this is not the time to give up. It’s time for us to look up.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV).

I love how God makes “all grace abound” so we “may abound.” Just like the show’s producer motioned to Jackie and me, I believe “the Producer” motions to each of us to come take a place in His grace. We can rest there. Repent there. Replenish there. Our hustle may be our best effort to help us meet a goal. But, thankfully, God’s grace is His gift to help us accomplish His plan.

PRAYER: Dear God, Help me to walk in the wonder of Your grace in Christ. You are always at work in and around our lives — in ways we may not see or understand. Thank you for how the power of Your grace exceeds my hustle. Strengthen me to move forward in Your will and may You receive all the glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

JOY TO THE SOUL: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV).