God's Grace!

Currently, sitting here on my couch; I can’t help but think about God’s grace.

Grace defined: (noun) \ ˈgrās\

1. The exercise of love, kindness, or good will; disposition to benefit or serve another.

2. The divine favor toward man, the undeserved kindness or forgiveness of God; divine love or pardon.

3. Beauty, physical, intellectual, or moral; easy elegance of manners; perfection of form.

Two weeks ago, I almost got into what could have been a life-altering car accident. It’s astonishing to think about what the outcome of the situation would have possibly been if I was in the left lane on the freeway or speeding. Instead of going to work that Tuesday morning, I could have ended up in the hospital or not be here ..BUT God! He kept me.

There's a reason why I put emphasis on the word, “but" in the paragraph above. 'But' is a conjunction word, "used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned." It cancels out everything before it. In this instance, the outcome of what easily could have occurred was cancelled out..meaning, it did not happen!

We all have situations that we look back on and think, "Wow, I'm glad this or that didn't happen!" I think moments such as those remind us of God's sovereignty. Although, we have free will, a choice ultimately, He is in control. Whatever God wants to happen will happen. When difficult times and challenges in life come against us, His power remains the same.

God protects us constantly when He doesn't have too. When we aren’t faithful, He remains faithful. He doesn't lie and holds true to His promises! In Lamentations 3:22-23 the Bible says, "The LORD'S loving-kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." He cares for His children!

It's funny how when you are growing in your faith, intentionally living for Christ and developing your relationship with Him the devil will attack you from every angle. He roars like a lion seeking whom who he may devourer (1 Peter 5:8). As the Bible states in John 10:10, the enemy comes to "kill, steel and destroy," but in Christ we have victory. "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). The enemy may be coming at you from many directions right now, he could be trying to destroy - your marriage, peace, distract you from your purpose or discouraging you from going after that dream career you always wanted but remember, "Jesus reigns!" He is bigger than ANY and EVERY problem you are facing.

You're probably thinking, "it's hard to not worry after something devastating happens or because there seems to always be tragic events going on in the world around us." You're right, that's true. You're going to have thoughts of doubt and fear at different points in your life but it's important to not let these thoughts and feelings rule you; control you life. When negative thoughts come to mind you shut them down! Tell the enemy, he HAS TO LEAVE YOU ALONE in the name of Jesus. Don't give in to his lies or tricks or you own self-doubt.

Whenever I pass by the location where I saw that truck hit the wall and bounce back toward me that dark morning or drive in certain areas in general, it is hard for me not to get a flashback to that moment (I often times do), but I have to remind myself of 'what DID NOT happen!' I'm grateful to be untouched! No scars or bruises, not a scratch. I said all of this to say yes, we're human! We are going to replay certain events in our head but we have a choice to what we give into.

Today, I challenge you to cast your cares unto the Lord (1 Peter 5:7)! Allow God to direct your path. He did not intend for us to constantly worry about what's to come or what happened in our past. Instead He is saying, "Trust me!"

God loves you,

-K.T.