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Abundant Grace

"Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."
(Isaiah 43:18-19)

That was the Scripture I chose for 2019.
I am so thankful to come to a new year and truly feel that God has been changing me, and doing a "new thing" in my life. I made a lot of progress in the last year. It feels good to see growth and healing happening. I feel optimistic and motivated and excited for what lies ahead.
This verse has been coming to my mind often lately:
"So be truly glad, there is wonderful joy ahead..." (1 Peter 1:6)

Recently, in my devotional reading time, I came to this verse, and I have chosen it for my 2020 verse:
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."
 (2 Corinthians 9:8)

It is empowering, inspiring, and encouraging to me.
It also reminds me of one of my favorite verses, the verse that inspired the title of this blog-
John 10:10, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

I love the fullness and all-encompassing wording of 2 Cor. 9:8- "always...all sufficiency...every good work."
God is on our side and He gives us enough grace to do what is right; and He didn't just promise enough grace, but that He will make us "abound in grace" so that we have "an abundance for every good work."
Always, in all situations, more than enough grace.
That gives me peace. It inspires me to be more aware and intentional.

Other verses that I have been meditating on lately:

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." (Ephesians 6:10)

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Roman's 8:31)

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
(Roman's 12:2)

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
(2 Timothy 1:7)

"Set your mind on things above,  not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:2-4)

All these verses are empowering and comforting to me. I don't have to get through this life alone, by my own strength- what a relief! God has promised that for those who throw themselves on Him, He will give them grace and strength to face whatever life has in store for you. It's so easy to think we can do things ourselves, by our own strength and wisdom; we act like that all the time.
But true freedom and peace comes from resting in the Lord and His might, and going forward filled with His Spirit. He brings us from "strength to strength" and "grace to grace."
(Psalm 84:7, John 1:16)


I have been working on renewing my mindset for this year; letting go of what is past, and moving forward into the new with a transformed mind and heart. It takes dedication and diligence and, honestly, a fair amount of time, not to mention being really honest with yourself, which can be challenging. But I have found the reward to be well worth the sacrifice and effort. I feel so grateful to be where I am today. If you are in the middle of deep struggles, don't give up! I have been there...but there is hope. Every day is a new opportunity for growth and you really don't know how close you are to achieving your goals, whatever they are.
 Go forward in grace, and trust that God is working something beautiful in your life, even if you can't see it now.





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