My first post was originally going to be an explanation about how I came to name my blog “Living from grace” but God had other plans, so here goes…..
I am a forgiven, redeemed, blood bought child of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Does that make me perfect?
Far from it.
Does that make all the wrong I have done in my past ok?
Far from it.
My choices and behaviors along this journey have hurt me and more importantly hurt the ones I love. Specially my amazing daughter, Alma Rose.
Does being a forgiven, redeemed, blood bought child of the King of kings and Lord of lords excuse the past?
Far from it.
So what does it do? What’s the use if it doesn’t erase the consequences of my past?
What it does do is free me from the bondage of guilt and shame.
It allows me to grow from my mistakes and not repeat them.
It allows God to take my mess and make it into a message that can help others going through the same situations.
Can I prevent them from making the same mistakes?
Can I make it so they do not have to face the consequences of their choices?
Absolutely not!
What it does allow me to do is to come along side another hurting person and say, with all the empathy that only one who’s been there can give, and say “Yes, this is difficult, yes, it might get worse before it gets better but with God by our side we will grow past this.”
Romans 8:1 tells me “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
I am forgiven, not condemned!
Romans 8:28 tells me “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
I love HIM, I am called according to HIS purpose!
Jeremiah 29:11 tells me “For I know the plans I have for you,”declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I trust HIM, He has plans to give me hope and a future!
Do I go through life with no pain from the consequences of my past.
Absolutely not.
Jeremiah 31:25 tells me “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
When I am weary, HE refreshes me!
When we allow ourselves to be focused on the past, looking at all we did wrong, things we can not change, we lose sight of what we do have-today.
We have freedom in Christ.
Galatians 5:1 tells me “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery.
When I dwell in the past, I am yoked in slavery
When I embrace Christ, I am set free and can stand firm.
Where are you today?
Are you a blood bought child of the King of kings and Lord of lords?
Have you been set free from the bondage of your past?
Freedom is a graced filled free gift from God!
John 3:17 tells me “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
The world would condemn me, Jesus has set me free!
I AM REDEEMED!!!
How about you?
Living from grace... 
Great way to start my morning Nancy, Your words touched on a subject that was heavy on my heart this day after mother’s day. Our past is forgiven by God, but we still have the pain and consequences to deal with, even when we make peace with God. Freedom, for sure, peace and hope defiantly. I am a child of God, and he will show me the way, I have no doubt. So I give it to God, am I always successful in surrendering those human emotions that pop up and bring me worry or sadness no, but thank you Father, it truly is about progress and not perfection.
Thank you for your wise words, I can’t wait to read more. ❤
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Thank you so much Rosemary! Even though we’ve not met face to face the similarities of our lives makes me feel like we’ve know each other for years. I had a totally different post planned for my first but God chose this one and I now I know why 🙂 So thankful it touched your heart! Love you sweet sister!
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You are so brave to put this out there and I don’t know if you realize how many people you touch when you take the time to share your words with others. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
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Jennifer, I’m not so sure how brave I am, I’ve been running from writing for a while now but my desire to be obedient has grown past my fear. Matt 19:26 says “with man this is impossible but with God all things are possible.” That ALL includes equipping me to do what I know in my heart God has called me to do.
I so appreciate your kind words and look forward to sharing much more! God Bless you my dear friend! Nancy
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YAY!!! Oh how does it feel my dear friend to see the fire burning in your heart on the big screen…and impacting lives? How are you feeling? You know, brave doesn’t necessarily mean peaceful confidence…instead, I think it defines the wholehearted person daring to show-up, dig deep and truly cling onto God in both fear and excitement. THAT is what I see here my friend. I see you…the real you…shining through God in an entirely BRAVE way! Proud of you and whew…let the journey begin!!! This is so good!!
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Thank you so much Bethany!! Yes, I agree being brave is facing my fears and insecurities and showing up with God leading me.
I am very excited!! It was my plan to post again Thursday and what did I see when I went to Compel today? Thursday we are all posting a blog and reading each other’s for support! Talk about a confirmation from God!!
So grateful to be on this journey with you!!
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