Prevenient Grace – The Divine Initiative
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:44 (NIV)
The definition of prevenient is going before; preceding; anticipating; expectant.Grace is the unmerited love and favor of God, so prevenient grace is God watching, hovering, and brooding over us as individuals before we are aware of Him.As a very young child I felt disturbed by the chaotic negative emotions constantly displayed in my home.I was very sensitive to the tense atmosphere and would escape to various “playhouses”.I never understood the peace and calm in those solitary places where no one disturbed me. There was a presence that watched over me and always wooed me back to my quiet refuge.
I have a distinct memory of one occasion when we had a record snowfall and I found a large hedge covered with snow and ice.The sunlight sparkled through the leaves and the wind made a rustling sound through the icy limbs of the hedge.I could almost hear a comforting voice calming and soothing my ragged emotions.I recognize now that voice, that presence was the Lord hovering over His blood bought daughter before I had any concept of who He was!
Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father help us recognize your prevenient grace.
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:44 (NIV)
The definition of prevenient is going before; preceding; anticipating; expectant.Grace is the unmerited love and favor of God, so prevenient grace is God watching, hovering, and brooding over us as individuals before we are aware of Him.As a very young child I felt disturbed by the chaotic negative emotions constantly displayed in my home.I was very sensitive to the tense atmosphere and would escape to various “playhouses”.I never understood the peace and calm in those solitary places where no one disturbed me. There was a presence that watched over me and always wooed me back to my quiet refuge.
I have a distinct memory of one occasion when we had a record snowfall and I found a large hedge covered with snow and ice.The sunlight sparkled through the leaves and the wind made a rustling sound through the icy limbs of the hedge.I could almost hear a comforting voice calming and soothing my ragged emotions.I recognize now that voice, that presence was the Lord hovering over His blood bought daughter before I had any concept of who He was!
Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father help us recognize your prevenient grace.
