And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision (Galatians 2:9, KJV)

After Paul’s conversion, he went to Jerusalem to meet the other  Apostles. He records that James, Peter and John “perceived the grace” given to him. Let me briefly look at the two words “perceive” and “grace” to show you the treasures hidden in this verse.

What does Paul call “grace” here that was given to him? What did the Apostles see in Paul’s life that was called “grace”? The answer is found in the verse preceding the one above:

“(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)” (Galatians 2:8, KJV)

They saw that the same power that was at work in Peter as he ministered to the Jews was also working in Paul. This power that was working “effectually” is what Paul calls  “grace” in this verse. The Apostles  saw Paul doing things, or even knowing things, that can only be done by the Holy Spirit. This is grace, and specifically ministry grace.

The Apostles perceived the grace on Paul. They recognized and realized God was the One at work in him. This grace  is not a mere natural talent. It was God specifically working through somebody. It is so important to perceive the grace of God upon your life, and upon others. I perceived a while ago, that God had given me “the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” I realized it because of the depths of revelations I was receiving without any struggle or sweating. This is what grace is. It is God’s power at work in an area in your life, making you have results that other people struggle in that area so that you can bless people in that specific area of life. When you know it, you cannot take credit or become proud about it because you recognize you received it from God as a gift. You have to perceive or recognize it in your life and others, especially ministry grace. 

MEDITATE

What is “grace” as defined above?  

APPLY THE WORD

Do you perceive the grace upon your life and in the life of other believers? Grace is not some natural talent or something you have decided to do. It is God working in you producing supernatural results without much sweating or toiling on your part. You do not create grace. You simply perceive it, because we have all received grace in Christ, in different measures. Your dominion and reign in life is where God’s grace is working effectually in your life. Open your “eyes” therefore and perceive the grace!

PRAY

Pray that the Lord will open your eyes to perceive His grace in your life so you can fully cooperate and increase in it. 

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