Verse Highlight: 

2 Cor. 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed “

Dear Moms,

A long time ago, the Lord promised me that there would always be enough grace for me. This is quite a promise if you understand what it means. Grace means kindness, specifically God’s kindness. It is not something you earn or deserve. You don’t (can’t!) work your way into it. Instead, it is based wholly on the character of the Lord. On His goodness & faithfulness. On His love for you. It is much like the most pure moments of love that you have had for your own child, when you are not thinking of yourself, but are overflowing with unselfish love—ready & willing to do whatever you can on their behalf. In those moments, you can almost feel your heart grow, just like the Grinch’s did that Christmas in Whoville. 

But, the kindness of the Lord is even better because it isn’t fleeting! It is steadfast & sure—just like He is. There are no nights of not enough sleep or character issues that are being worked out. There is no lack of resource or patience or wisdom. There is no selfishness mixed in with His love or kindness. His love is pure. His kindness is dependable. But, there is a secret to it! 

The secret is this: Receiving it depends on you. Moreover, you must open your heart to receive it each day. Sometimes moment by moment. 

Being a mom is not easy. Nor is it for the faint of heart. And, the truth is, you are not prepared for what it requires of you! It’s not possible to be—at least not completely—because you develop the “muscles” (skills, character, wisdom, love, etc.) on the job. You grow as you go. But, this is a lot easier and more fun and more rewarding and better all the way around, if you don’t do it on your own. To be honest, I don’t know how people without faith do it! It is only the grace of God that has allowed my journey to be so full of life and beauty and joy. I shudder to think of what it would be like without Him.

That doesn’t mean it’s always easy, even with Him. But, it means that I have confidence that He will see me through. That He will see my kids through. That He will provide everything we need, as we need it. That He will cover us and teach us and guide us. That His kindness will be found true. 

And it is. Every single time. 

Sometimes I don’t see it right away so I have to blindly trust that it’s there. (And, in hindsight, it does become clear!) Sometimes, I forget. I do things in my own strength. I get proud and forget how much I need Him. Or things will go wrong & instead of trusting His Kindness, I throw myself a pity party. Even in those times though, His Kindness is never far away. 

It isn’t far away from you, either. So, with a new year still stretching out before us, all sparkly with possibilities, I have a challenge for you. One that is actually a promise. Trust that His grace is enough. Start each day with it. Receive it fresh as often as needed as you go throughout your day!

Prove 2 Corinthians 9:8 true “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (emphasis mine).

Today’s Action Steps:

Start each day with this prayer:“Father, thank you that your Kindness is with me today, in moments big and small. Help me to depend on You, trusting that Your kindness will be there to guide, comfort, and provide for me. I open my heart to receive fresh grace today and I ask you to empower me to be a source of grace for others, too—especially my family. Thank you for your faithfulness to me. I love you. Amen,” Then, repeat this (or a version of it) as often as needed. 

You may not realize it, but you’ve got this, Mama! Grace to you as you go about your day & week!