Unmerited favor ...

This past week has been an emotional one; so today it is no surprise that I would be thinking about how life doesn't always turn out the way we think it should. Dreams get lost, disappointments and failures come 'round; we let ourselves grow bitter and unfaithful in the things of God. And, before we know it, we are in a place of coldness and doubt, sometimes even unbelief. I reached that place and stayed there for many years. I thought that God would heal me completely if I could just be a good Christian. I had unwittingly put limitations on my faith and willingness to accept God's grace. I lived a defeated life, feeling I could never measure up to be deserving of God's blessings.

It took me a while to realize that the truth is I can't. I never will...that is exactly why it's called grace! It is divinely unmerited favor. There is such freedom in realizing this truth...in believing fully that He wants so much happiness and goodness in your life. He says in John 10:10 that he came not just that we we might have life but that we might have it more abundantly. And while frustratingly painful, the past couple of days have only made me see the truth of this abundant life He wants for me.

His healing for me has come on a different level...in ways that I can't explain or comprehend...what He has done is better than physical healing. He has shown me a strength and quiet grace that can only come from Him...

So, even though there is still pain and moments of frustration with my illness, there is a peace in knowing that relief will always come; and that His strength is made perfect in my weakness....that His mercies aren't limited by or given because of my performance... He is teaching me daily that it ain't about me, it's all about Him!!



"We love Him because He first loved us." - (1 John 4:19)