Grace applies to every area of our lives in a tangible way. Learning to lean into grace is refreshing and draws us closer to Jesus.

When Christians talk about grace it’s often somewhat abstract, but each chapter of Stacey Pardoe’s new book Lean Into Grace illustrates a tangible way grace takes effect in our lives. From the daily grind and spiritual boredom to our hurts and fears or our relationships with God and others, grace is available in abundance – the question is whether we will lean into it.

What is grace?

Jesus isn’t reprimanding us to “get it together;” He welcomes us to draw near to Him in the midst of whatever circumstances we find ourselves. Yes, even while we’re “still chewing on the chocolate.”

Stacey draws on Jim Wilder’s definition of grace: “God acting in our lives to accomplish what we cannot accomplish by our own abilities.” Ours is a journey of learning to “exchange self-effort for surrender.”

Perhaps, like me, you often attempt to cling tightly to a sense of control. Stacey reminds us that “frustrating and disappointing moments are [God’s] vessels of grace, and he intends to use them to soften us, slow us down, and set us free from idols like control and perfectionism.”

Grace brings with it hope, and throughout the book are glimmers of hope. As an example, Stacey writes about rejection as “one of the most painful human experiences; however, it can also be one of the greatest springboards for emotional and spiritual growth.”

What Stacey offers

The book is a mix of story and teaching. Stacey invites the reader into her story, and she offers practical suggestions she’s tried and vetted. I wholeheartedly appreciate the author’s insights on the topics she covers. (Just skim the Table of Content and you’ll be hooked.)

She writes with authority on the topic of grace and of running to God in each moment. Stacey’s hard-won insights are something to learn from and desire in our own lives. Her choice to spend time with God first in a tragic moment (and other examples) makes me eager to read what she has to say, and to grow closer to in my own relationship with God. Plus, I love that she reminds us of our identity as beloved children of God.

Stacey’s vulnerability in sharing true stories makes her relatable. Who hasn’t indulged in secret stashes of chocolate, stomped around the kitchen, or criticized their body’s appearance or performance? And she goes deeper, daring to write about things close to her heart.

What I love about Lean into Grace

Stacey’s testimonies are powerful, perhaps especially so because of her vulnerability in sharing them. I cried at least twice at the goodness of God and the life-giving words of Jesus. She also manages to explain a very painful experience while honouring the other party and without any hint of bitterness.

Some of the illustrations Stacey uses to describe spiritual concepts are especially helpful and memorable. The questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter are useful for cementing some of the truths and for pondering what the Holy Spirit is speaking to the reader. I’ve bought a copy of this book for a friend and will recommend it to many more.

So do you recognise “wonder-woman syndrome” or are you in the grip of a destructive habit? Are you tired of the daily grind or paralysed by pain or fear? Maybe all you need is a refreshing reminder of God’s grace. I invite you to encounter Jesus through the writing of Stacey Pardoe in Lean Into Grace.