Willpower is one of the most valuable gifts humans possess. With sheer determination, we can achieve many difficult things—perform well in a competition, face financial hardships, or overcome various fears and challenges. However, willpower has its limits. It can only take us so far, often stalling when we encounter paths it has never trodden. Where willpower falters, the grace of God triumphs.
Henry Nouwen defines grace as, “The experience of the loving presence of God in our lives, making us more fully alive.” Grace is the undying presence and gentle power of God that enables us to move forward when we feel paralyzed, when it seems we have reached a dead end. Ronald Rolheiser observes that those who have overcome addiction deeply understand this truth: they are saved by God's grace, not by willpower alone. In the end, they didn’t do it on their own; it was God's grace—working in miraculous ways—that transformed their lives.
Grace is not only crucial when we face monumental failures, like battling addiction, but also in any process that requires deep inner transformation or a shift to a new life. By sheer willpower, we cannot truly change or become new. Even if we do change, our old habits often draw us back. Our repeated struggles with breaking bad habits or overcoming addictions show us that certain things in life can only be accomplished through God’s grace.
So, do we want to let go of something harmful, fight an addiction, or embrace a new way of living? Grace is the answer. By opening ourselves to God in complete dependence on His grace, we allow Him to work wonders in our lives.
Notes
Nouwen, H. (1988). The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey. Harper & Row.
Rolheiser, R. (2014). Sacred fire: A vision for a deeper human and Christian maturity. Image, pp. 129-130.
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ReplyDelete👏👍
ReplyDeleteThanks again for another insightful article.
ReplyDeleteYes, God's Grace is very important to all of us in overcoming our temptations and shortcomings.
This is simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMany people are not able to understand this. Thanks for sharing.
G.V.
Yes. Everyone of us needs God's grace, but we lack of willpower to get his gentle power of grace.
ReplyDeleteGrace and will power walk hand in hand
ReplyDeleteWonderfully said thank you Fray
ReplyDeleteGod bless. It reminds me to surrender to God !
ReplyDeleteSurrendering to His holy will completely liberates you
ReplyDeleteThe experience of the loving presence of God in our lives, making us more fully alive.”
ReplyDelete