By The Grace Of God
A Testament of Endurance
After a light breakfast, I got dressed and finished a few minor chores. While washing dishes, I prayed and lifted a praise when I thought about God’s goodness. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had some close calls only grace and mercy could preserve and pardon.
Like many others, I’ve experienced challenges beyond my control. Other times, I made foolish choices I couldn’t discern or resist. There were so many “God, if you get me outta this…“ prayers, deliverances, and qualifying conditions worthy of praise, I had to seize the opportunity to reverence the love that saved me !
Between suds and rinses, the chorus of ‘I’m Still Here’ by Dorinda Clark-Cole began playing in my spirit. I paused, closed my eyes, and raised my right hand in the air while reflecting.
My eyes teared up when it registered. Wow…I’m still here!
Thanksgiving flowed as the lyrics ministered to my soul. My heart filled with gratitude as a reel of pivotal life experiences replayed in my mind. In tearful awe, I realized that I presently stood on the other side of things I didn’t think I could survive! It was all God.
You know what friend? If you’re reading this post—you’re still here too. Think about it. We survived some of life’s biggest storms. Even when we didn’t know anything about God, Jesus, life or ourselves— God’s grace, love, and mercy kept us.
It’s good to know that whether we’re conscious of God’s presence or not, we’re in His hands. If you’re new to faith and personal relationship with God, love drew you here!
We’re Still Here
Our New Chapter Is Now
Life may not have been perfect in our eyes, but we’re still here! We may have made mistakes but we’re still here! We may have endured hardships, pain, loss, dangers or health challenges, but we’re still here!
We may have experienced weariness, trauma, depression, and heartbreak but we’re still here! We may have encountered disappointments, obstacles, betrayals, or abuse, but we’re still here!
We may have been rejected or misunderstood but— we’re still here! Casted down, but not destroyed— we’re still here! Weapons formed but, it did not prosper yes, we’re still here!
We may have undergone fiery trials and tribulations, but — we’re still here! We may have mistreated ourselves or others when we didn’t know how to love but we’re still here!
We may have battled in the mind and spirit but we’re still here! We may be healing yet, we’re still here! Hallelujah! We could’ve been gone long ago but WE’RE STILL HERE!!!
By the Grace of God, we’re still here and we will see the goodness, restoration, healing, vindication, redemption, joy, peace, beauty and every good thing the LORD has in store for us in this life and beyond! It’s not over!
Today, a marks a new chapter in our book of life. Let’s embrace the new thing. Let’s bask in God’s forever love in Jesus Christ.
Inseparable Love
Before we were aware of God’s mercy, presence, wisdom, favor and preservation, love was there. When we look back, we will see that even through rebellion and difficulties, God never left — not because we were perfect, but because we’re His.
“ 19 We love him, because he first loved us.”- 1 John 4:19 NKJV
“39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:39 NLT
Remember This…
43 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. —Isaiah 43:1
Read more Isaiah 43:1-7
1. Remember how far you’ve come! Thank God for right now.
2. “This too shall pass”. What looks impossible today, will be a testimony of God’s help and faithfulness tomorrow.
3. God is with you. Through present day challenges, God is still here.
4. Think good thoughts. There’s always something to be grateful for.
5. Receive forgiveness, new mercy, provision, and goodness everyday.
6. Look forward, choose life and embrace what’s next.
We’re Never Alone
“8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
SOURCE REFERENCES
Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5 ESV, Romans 8:31-39 NLT See also NKJV, Lamentations 3:22-23, Philippians 4:8, Isaiah 41:10, 1 Corinthians 1:9, Romans 12:12, 2 Timothy 2:3-5, Hebrews 12:6-11, John 10:28-29, Philippians 3:13-14, Matthew 6:25-34, Psalm 27:13, Philippians 4:8, Isaiah 54:17, Isaiah 43:19, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 4:19, Biblegateway.com, Song I’m Still Here’ by Dorinda Clark-Cole via YouTube.
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