It has been said, in the ages of time gone by, that grace is a charming sound.

It is by grace and faith that we receive eternal salvation. It is grace that brings salvation to us. It is grace that gives us help in the time of need. It is by grace that we are justified.

Perhaps the greatest assurance about grace is that we are promised His grace will be sufficient to meet our every need. No matter what it is we face, God’s grace will hold and sustain us.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

Have you ever stopped to just think about how incredible that is?

Life brings storms and trials, tests and tribulations, that nothing in this world could prepare us for. But it is then that we feel the fortress of grace surround us and we know that all is well.

In the days of knights and castles, a fortress was a place of unparalleled protection and security. They were built with the utmost attention to detail.

It had to be a place of extreme safety—a place that was able to provide every need, sometimes for months on end. Within their walls, large supplies of water and food were stored in the event that those inside were unable to travel outside the fortress walls. Everything that might be needed was found inside the fortress.

When I think of God’s grace being sufficient for us, this is what I think of. A Fortress of Grace.

Grace Gives Us An Escape

The Fortresses of bygone eras were created with the intent that a person could run within their shelter and be saved from the enemy without. They were a place of defense, intended to repel attacks.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

Ephesians 2:8

Sometimes we find ourselves in battles that are defensive instead of offensive. The enemy is pursuing us with all that they have, and we need a way to escape.

Grace offers us that protection. From the moment we are saved by grace, all the way to the final breath we take in this world, grace is our shelter from the enemy. We run within its safety, and the enemy can’t follow.

Grace Gives Us Relief

Fortresses were used as a sort of hospital for the wounded and sick. If they could only make it to the fortress, they could rest and allow their bodies to heal. Within its walls, the sound of battle raging outside meant nothing, because they were sheltered and protected.

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:15-16

Sometimes life’s battles leave us wounded and broken. The battle is raging around us and we wonder if this is the end. The darkness is suffocating us. Surely we won’t survive.

But then we feel the arms of our Commander lift us up and carry us within the Fortress of Grace. Nothing can harm us. We are finally able to rest and heal.

Grace Gives Us Strength

Fortresses are synonymous with strength. The were built to withstand even the strongest army. But this was for a specific purpose. Those weary from the fight who sought refuge within the walls of a fortress found relief and healing. Once refreshed and recovered from the battle, they had the strength to face the enemy again.

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 

2 Timothy 2:1

God’s grace is a fortress of strength for us, just like that. It gives us an extra measure of strength to face the storms that rage around us. It offers nourishment to our souls when we are fainting in the wilderness of tribulations. It’s a healing balm to our souls when we are broken and wounded. It grants us the fortitude to face the fight again.

Have you ever faced a trial that seemed unbearable to face but, when surrounded by grace’s fortress, you find strength to keep on fighting? That’s exactly what it is meant to do. It gives us strength to keep fighting.

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Trials and burdens are a natural part of the believer’s walk with Christ. But even so, sometimes it is difficult to keep going. That is when we can be sure that God will give grace that is fully sufficient to meet our every need, just like those fortresses of bygone eras.

Whatever battle you are facing, close your eyes and feel His grace holding you. He never fails.

Run within the fortress and let it be your safety, your relief, your strength.

A. M. Watson

Hebrews 13:8