Level Up: Graced For My New Level
The Apostle Paul declared, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10, NKJV). This verse reveals Paul’s deep awareness of God’s grace upon his life. However, he did not merely rely on grace passively—he actively labored, taking full advantage of the divine enablement given to him.
This principle is evident throughout Scripture. Consider when God asked Moses, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2). The question was not because God did not know, but because He wanted Moses to recognize what was already available to him. Similarly, what do you have that God can multiply? What skills, gifts, or resources can God use to elevate you to the next level?
The Connection Between Grace and Growth
In gaming, I’ve noticed something interesting—certain equipment is available to players, but they cannot use it until they level up. The equipment exists, but their current level does not qualify them to wield it. The same principle applies to our spiritual walk. Many have received promises, favor, and blessings from God, but they have not yet increased in grace to access them fully.
Paul understood this truth. He recognized that grace was upon him, but he also knew he had to labor. When God gives a promise, it is an invitation to level up spiritually. Just as "to whom much is given, from him much will be required" (Luke 12:48), we must pray for an increase in grace to operate at the level God is calling us to.
The Growth of Grace
What did Paul possess that made him say, "I am what I am by the grace of God"? The reality is that everything we achieve in life is by grace. However, grace is not equal for everyone—it grows in proportion to our revelation of Christ. As the Bible says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18). Revelation increases grace, and grace enables access to God’s promises.
One of the most profound revelations a believer can receive is the revelation of Christ. "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever." (Deuteronomy 29:29). The more we know Jesus, the more we grow in grace. Grace is the divine enablement that grants access to the greater promises of God.
Grace and Charisma
The Greek word charis (grace) is the root of charisma (gifting). This shows a direct connection between grace and spiritual gifts. Gifts, abilities, and favor come through grace, but without growth in grace, one may lack the capacity to fully utilize them. Could it be that the financial breakthrough, the promotion, or the opportunity you have been praying for has not manifested because you have not yet received enough grace to access it?
A Call to Prayer
Some believe that we do not pray for grace to increase, but the Bible says, "Grow in grace" (2 Peter 3:18), meaning it is our responsibility to seek and cultivate growth in grace. Today, let us pray:
1. Father, help us to grow in grace. Give us a deeper revelation of Christ so that we may walk in greater dimensions of your favor.
2. Lord, help us to level up. May we mature spiritually to access the promises we may have missed in our infancy in Christ.
3. Father, thank You for the grace You have bestowed upon us. We declare that we will labor more abundantly, taking full advantage of Your grace.
4. Increase our knowledge, O Lord. Through this knowledge, may we grow in all that we do and walk in divine favor.
5. As we conclude our fasting and prayer, we declare that we have leveled up. We walk in divine favor and will fulfill the purpose You have called us to accomplish.
Thank You, Lord, for Your greater power and for increasing us in grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
