Though I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, I’m grateful to not have the regrets of my past haunting my present. Through His grace, God has a persistent way of whipping me back to into shape before I self-destruct. And though I don’t always appreciate it in the moment, God often stops me in my tracks before I truly suffer the consequence of my wayward sinful nature. Today I was reflecting on poor decisions I’ve made in the past, I was reminded of God’s amazing grace. I thought of the story of Jonah, and although not so dramatic, I see could similarities of his experiences in mine. When I find myself outside of God’s will, God relentlessly pursues me. And at times it seems He does everything in His power to keep me uncomfortable. I find myself trapped in my own “storm at sea” or “fish”. In the moment I hate the pain and discomfort, and I even feel chastised by God but eventually I recognize His grace.
God is in continual pursuit of us and He goes great lengths to save and protect us. I’m thankful for a God who is gracious enough to save me from regret of my mistakes. I’m thankful for a God who is gracious enough to save me from my self-defeating actions and leads me where I don’t have sense enough to go on my own. I’m thankful for second chances. I’m so thankful for grace.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 NIV
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24 NIV
- Paige A. Henry
