Bedtime has a way of making “one more” sound like a very reasonable request.
One more snack. Five more minutes. One more thing to tell me, which may or may not turn into an entire story while I’m standing there waiting to turn off the light.
And listen, sometimes it really is important. Sometimes it’s also a child who suddenly remembers every question they’ve ever had the moment I say goodnight.
But all that negotiating got me thinking about how easy it is to treat God’s grace like something I still have to work out with Him. I can know what Jesus did for me and still wonder if I’ve prayed enough, changed enough, or felt sorry enough to receive what He offers.
That’s exhausting. And it puts the focus right back on what I can do.
When Jesus died on the cross, He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). I keep coming back to those words. He didn’t leave me to figure out how to make His sacrifice enough. It is enough.
Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” A gift. I can receive it with gratitude, but I can’t talk my way into earning it.
I still have to remind myself of that sometimes. When guilt makes me want to go over an old mistake again, I can bring it to God honestly, ask for forgiveness, and trust Him. I don’t have to keep holding on to it just to prove I’m sorry.
And the next time bedtime turns into a discussion of why five more minutes would change everything, I’ll probably still be tired. I’ll probably still say, “It’s time for bed.” But maybe I’ll remember that I can be patient with my child while I’m learning to receive God’s patience with me.
If you’ve been trying to make yourself good enough before coming to Jesus, you can come to Him now. You don’t have to negotiate for grace. If you want to put your faith in Him, you can pray:
“Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I’ve been trying to earn what You offer as a gift. Please forgive me, save me, and help me trust You. Amen.”
If you prayed that for the first time, welcome to the family. And if someone asks you for one more snack tonight, I’ll leave that negotiation between you and the Lord.
If you’d like to share your story or ask for prayer, you can email me at maxwellfusion6@gmail.com.
Grace is a gift. You don’t have to spend tonight trying to earn what Jesus has already offered you.
If you’d like something to help you keep reflecting on His grace, I have two options:
- The smaller, printable version on Gumroad is for you if you’d like to download it and print it at home.
- The more in-depth, physical book on Amazon is for you if you’d like a fuller version and a copy you can hold in your hands.
Whichever you choose, my hope is that it encourages you to trust what Jesus has already done and receive His grace, even at the end of a long day filled with “one more.”
For your kids: Bedtime Blessings is a set of 12 printable scripture prayer cards for bedtime. $3, instant download.
Need prayer, or have a testimony to share? Send me a prayer request or tell me what God has done. If you prayed to receive Jesus today, I want to celebrate with you. I read every message and pray over each one by name.
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