Romans 9:32, “Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.” I can remember when a raise at work was based on merit. How well you did you job. I struggled with the fairness of a set amount for everyone when things changed to this system. As I read this verse today, I was reminded of God’s grace. God’s grace is freely given to anyone who believes in their heart that Jesus Christ died for their sins and that He was raised from the dead overcoming the wages of sin which is death. That He ascended to heaven and is an advocate for you before God. Grace isn’t earned but a gift from God, equally given to everyone. When I think about what I said about meriting a raise, God reminded me of His Grace. How we often stumble over the gift of grace. We take away the value of that gift, when we think we have earned it. Romans 9:16 says, “So then, it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.” The lesson I learned from changing to a set amount for a raise was one of introspect. I had to examine my motives and examine my thoughts. Scripture verses came to my mind. Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men. Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ you serve.” I was reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:9, “And he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” God’s grace is undeserved. You can’t earn it. When you accept God’s grace, your heart changes. You understand His love for you. Your focus shifts from yourself to the giver of the gift. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11:3, “But I am afraid, lest the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your mind be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” Simple devotion to Christ removes the thought of having to earn His grace to wanting to accept the gift of His grace.