grace that is enough

"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in Him..." (1 Corinthians 1:4)
Far too often I forget my absolute need for the grace.  I am far too easily convinced that there is within me something that could be enough, that could work hard enough or strive long enough to produce in me a work of righteousness, to sustain me.  The truth is, there is nothing within me that has any hope of being good, any hope of love, any hope of right-ness.  I am, at my very best, completely and utterly incapable.
Not a very encouraging thought, as long as I keep trying to be enough within myself.   But, that is where the beauty of the Lord's grace comes in.
Grace is His work in those He has made His children:  first in His work to save us some our absolute depravity, and then to continually sanctify and refine us to be like He is.  It is His grace that sustains us, even in our weakness.  It is His grace that moves us, pushes us, and grows in us His love and goodness.  In every way, we are called to rely upon that grace as our only hope.  I love these words that so carefully show our absolute need for Him:  "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation...Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies.  Awesome is God from His sanctuary; the God of Israel--He is the one who gives power and strength to His people.  Blessed be God!" (Psalm 68:18, 34, 35).