Ineffective Grace?

I love it when I study and God highlights something in His word. Something I have never noticed before. Something that stops me in my tracks and makes me really think about my own faith walk.

"For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by God's grace I am what I am, and His grace towards me was not ineffective." 1 Corinthians 15:9-10

I have encountered many things in life that have been ineffective. The strips I bought from my dentist to brighten my teeth didn't seem to do the job. The plan I developed to keep my house tidy with just 10 minutes a day didn't produced the desired effect either. But ineffective grace? Can there be such a thing? I couldn't help but ponder Paul's words. What was he trying to convey to me? What warning for my own life is nestled into his writing?

My trusty Webster dictionary has the following entry for ineffective:
ineffective: adj, 1) Not causing an intended effect 2) Incapable of performing efficiently

I know and am convinced that God is capable of any and all things. His grace is perfect and when applied to a life it is efficiently effective. So, can God's grace be ineffective as Paul suggests? God is faithful to do His part and He cannot mess up. However, I am not perfect. Is there a way I can alter the intended effect God desires grace to produce in my life?

I noticed Paul wrote about ineffective grace in the context of his past mistakes and feelings of unworthiness. Yet, Paul testifies that he has overcome his past. He is what he is because God's grace.

I began to think of my own past. While I am convinced of my salvation, I am not always sure of my worthiness. There are many things in my past which bring me shame. As the Spirit ministered to my heart I realized, at times, I have allowed grace to be ineffective in my life.

God's grace is sufficient to wash me white as snow. Christ's righteousness becomes my own and puts me in right standing before God. With His blood applied to my life, I am worthy. If I believe this to be Truth, why do I so readily doubt? Often, I fail to apply God's grace to every aspect of my life and every area of my heart. When I fail to apply grace fully, I hinder God's grace and it is unable to have the full intended effect in my life.

Everytime I pass up an opportunity to minister to another sister because I feel unworthy, I have rendered grace ineffective.

Everytime I allow the Devil to speak lies to me regarding my past, burdening my heart once again, I have rendered grace ineffective.

Everytime I open old wounds and refuse to allow God to completely heal my hurts, I render His grace ineffective.

My list could go on and on. While God's grace is sufficient, it's effectiveness is dependent on how much or little I apply. What about you? Is there an area in your life that you have hindered God's work? Have you sprinkled your life with grace, but failed to be completely washed?

Take a minute today to examine the effectiveness of God's grace in your life. Have you allowed Him to make you completely into the person He desires you to be? Don't let His grace be ineffective in your life. Let Him wash you anew each morning in His grace.

Dear Lord,
Help me to become all You intend for me to be. Help me to grow beyond my past and my doubts and to allow Your Grace to be fully effective in every area of my life.
Amen.