05/28/2026
I have no idea what to write in this GRACE letter. I will be honest, I have written, read, and erased this letter 4 or 5 times today. I can't think of anything to write but I will say that in this process today I have felt God move in each of the erased letters. Maybe these are for me?
In fact, these letters are more for me than for you. I have loved getting these thoughts down on paper. Sometimes it is like therapy writing convictions out and working them out through my own research and prayer. Philippians 2:12-13 says, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." These words are critical when you are learning and growing in your faith. I have struggled through these words in the midst of spiritual turmoil and boasted about them on spiritual mountain tops.
But, the reality is they are critical in both the highs and the lows. We can take this and twist it to mean "work for", but that would be wrong. It does not mean you must earn your salvation, but you must grow, develop, and work on the spiritual life that you have already received. When you are struggling with the meaning of something, or struggling to believe something, wrestle with it in prayer, study and in my case writing. You just might find yourself erasing something you wrote that is wrong and correcting it with a more clear understanding.
I would challenge you to read, highlight, underline, and write in your own bible. But also journal and write out your thoughts, it is freeing for your brain to let go of something and it still be written for reflection later.
I am praying for you, and hope you'll read and study to know God more.
All my love,
Pastor Justin
Philippians 2:12-13
Hebrews 5:9