There is no doubt that it can be difficult to live up to God's expectations every minute of every day. We fall down, are filled with remorse, and God picks us up, dusts us off and gently pushes us back into world. Sometimes, we make choices and demonstrate behaviors that we regret, but when we pray and ask for forgiveness and strength, our loving Father is always there with a warm embrace. It is by his grace that we get up each morning blessed with a fresh start.
Ephesians 2:8 (NASB) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God
On May 23rd, I am blessed to be celebrating 20 years of blissful marriage to my beloved Patrick. As I reflect on the years of our marriage so far, it is crystal clear how God has extended his endless grace to us on a multitude of occasions. I am thankful for the wonderful experiences we have shared in our walk together and grateful for the blessings God has graciously bestowed to us.
Like all couples, being married has not always been an easy walk and we have had our share of difficulties. Looking back, I recognize that it has been during the most difficult times in our marriage, that our bond and love for one another has grown stronger along with our faith in God. I remember one particularly difficult period early in our marriage. Within a two month period, we experienced the birth and death of our only son, Austin; we were traumatized by the Northridge earthquake, and we had to borrow money to pay our taxes. We were financially and emotionally broken. Living on a shoestring of hope, with the love of our friends and family and God's grace we somehow made it through.
What I have learned, is that God uses these situations as teaching moments to build our faith, integrity and resilience to prepare us for what he has planned. Our lives are not about us. Our lives are about what God has planned for us to serve his purpose.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
As each new day dawns, honor God by starting the day with a renewed spirit of faith and recognize with a grateful heart that God's grace is endless.
Philippians 1:2 (NKJV) 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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