Grace

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. [Romans 8:1-2]

Condemnation seems to be in the forefront of my life right now. I feel like every step I take there is a reminder of my past and all the things I have done wrong. Areas of my life that I have always struggled with that I have given control over to God are now coming up in the faint reminders of who I was and what I have done. I was reminded a few nights ago by my very sweet friend Amy of just how much God loves me and how grace really works. The road for me right now is pretty rocky and there is a lot of uncertainty ahead. I was confessing to Amy that several other people had mentioned that I needed to ask for help and my response was, but that is for people who need it. Amy, in her loving way reached over, put her hand on mine and said, "April, you need to learn how to let God take care of you." I felt like I had been hit with a ton of brinks. God has taken care of me! Time and time again, but for some reason I was struggling with feelings of unworthiness and in the battle I thought, I got myself into this and I am going to have to get myself out. I remember thinking that I hadn't done anything to deserve to be rescued.

I was very quickly reminded in the moment of what grace truly looks like. I reminded of a man who hung on a cross for me! For moments jut like this one. Grace! My God is a God of grace. Through Jesus Christ, the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Christ set me free so that in moments like this one I can say in my darkest moment, God came to my rescue. This realization has not changed my circumstances. In fact, they are still pretty tough and I don't know what tomorrow holds. But I do know that if I allow Him, God will change my heart in these tough times. In the 48 hours since that conversation I have already seen God come through for me in amazing ways. He is providing. He loves me. He is all I need!

April