You, therefore, my son,

be strong in the grace

that is in Christ Jesus

II Tiimothy 2:1

Grace and strength; they sound so opposite.  I'm used to admonitions to stay strong in the faith.  Hang on, stand firm, resist.  It's work.   It's a firm resolve, a constant vigilance.  The strength is in the effort, in the exercise of developing muscles.

 But grace, grace is a gift.  No effort can make it stronger, greater, more abundant.  It just is.  It holds me, surrounds me and draws me in.  All I can do is to rest in it, and in the rest become infused with strength..