What My Healing Journey Has Taught Me About God’s Grace

Sometimes you don’t get an apology, but sometimes you do.

A friend called me to apologize because a mutual friend that I distanced myself from hurt her deeply, too. Before she was hurt, she didn't understand why I had distanced myself and put up strict boundaries with this mutual friend. She had taken this person's side of the story even though I didn’t ask anyone to take sides. She even questioned my heart. It was a beautiful conversation of grace and forgiveness.

On that day, I forgave her.

When I have walked through painful experiences and there has been a slow process of healing, I have begun to understand God’s grace is much more.

God’s grace did not simply meet me at the beginning of my relationship with Him. It has met me again and again in the middle of my healing journey.

Just like Paul I can say God’s grace met me in my weakness.

“But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 (TPT)

There were moments I didn’t know what to do.

I felt emotionally weary.

At times I felt alone.

BUT... God met me there.

God’s grace is patient in my healing process.

You could return to God with the same hurt, the same questions, and the same struggles and find Him faithful.

“New, fresh mercies greet me with every sunrise. So wonderfully great is your faithfulness!”

Lamentations 3:23 (TPT)

God’s grace gives us permission to heal one step at a time. God’s grace taught me I didn’t have to earn his love.

“For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us Christ! So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 (TPT)

I didn’t make my friend earn my forgiveness. I freely gave it to her just like Jesus freely gave me grace in giving me His salvation and grace in my times of weaknesses. I forgave her not because the hurt didn't matter, but because I understood more deeply the grace I had received from Jesus.

Bitterness wanted me to harden my heart.

God’s grace taught me to keep my heart open.

God’s grace is still working in you.

You are still growing in your faith.

You are still learning.

You are still becoming more like Christ.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

Let’s pray.

Lord, forgive me when I have let bitterness control my life. Help me to let go and accept your grace. Thank you for your mercy. I know I can wake up each day, and your grace meets me there.

In Jesus name, Amen.

You are in my prayers,

Celeste

Written by:

Celeste Ford