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For it is by grace that you have been saved [delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith...[salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but is a gift of God.
- Ephesians 2:8
We were sovereignly given a measure of faith in our original design.
He made sure salvation would never be out of reach.
We were built to long for Him even when we were away from Him.
He provides a grace for all people to receive (not just hear) the gospel.
After salvation we need our faith just as much!
He extends His faith to us and builds it in us as a lifework so we can do all the things we are called to do for the Kingdom of God.
Today: God you have given me your faith, help me to exercise this gift and build it up.
For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus [spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us]. Ephesians 2:10
With Love,
Paper Sunday
Grace can feel hard to accept because we’re so used to earning our worth. But this truth invites you to lay that striving down. Take a moment to reflect on what it means to simply receive.
Journal & Reflect
- Where in your life do you feel like you need to “earn” God’s love or approval?
- What makes it difficult for you to fully accept grace as a gift?
- How would your relationship with God change if you stopped striving and started resting in His grace?
- What is one way you can remind yourself today that salvation is not based on your performance?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “saved by grace through faith” mean?
It means salvation is a gift from God, not something we achieve. We receive it by trusting in Him, not by earning it.
Why can’t we earn salvation?
Because no amount of effort can make us perfect. Grace fills the gap and gives us what we could never obtain on our own.
Does grace mean my actions don’t matter?
Not at all. Good works are a response to grace, not a requirement for receiving it.
How do I live in grace daily?
By reminding yourself that you are already accepted in Christ and letting your actions flow from gratitude, not pressure.
Prayer
Lord, Thank You for the gift of grace that I could never earn. When I feel the pressure to strive or prove myself, remind me that Your love is freely given. Help me to trust fully in You and to rest in what You have already done. Shape my heart to live from gratitude, not obligation. Amen.
Message from Kara Heckel, founder of Paper Sunday
This verse always challenges me in a very practical way. It’s easy to say I trust God—but this kind of faith asks me to live like I do. Preparing the “room” means shifting from passive hope to active belief. As you sit with this today, I hope it gently pushes you to take one small step of preparation—whatever that looks like in your season. Sometimes faith isn’t louder prayers, it’s quieter obedience. You’re not just waiting. You’re becoming ready.
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Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Blue Birdie Personalized Scripture Journal.
