Written by: Leah Minerve
College Student
Founder, Focused & Motivated Podcast
Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)
The Apostle Paul stated, “God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.”
Grace is undeserved, unmerited, unearned favor by God. This walk with the Lord is in no way easy, but as we hold tight to the promises of God, we can be assured that we are not alone. When I first went to college, I was extremely nervous. I was in a new state, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and in an unprecedented time (COVID). Holding onto the knowledge that God’s grace would get me through is what guided me to the end of my first semester.
God surpasses human love because He grants an agape kind of love. As believers, our job is to spread the good news. Having a missionary heart is holding onto God’s promises and telling your own story to help others. My goal is not to force anyone to believe the goodness of God. It is to share the realness that I feel in my connection with the Father. Throughout my life experiences, I have learned not to abuse the heart of God, but to lean closer to Him when I go astray.
I have fallen short and sinned a multitude of times, but because of God’s grace and love for me, I have been forgiven and granted new chances. This favor that has been extended unto me encourages me to take up the cross and actively seek Kingdom daily. Each chapter in our lives is an opportunity to grow, learn, and adapt to what God needs from us. Though life is full of challenges and difficulties, God is always there to lighten the burden (Psalm 55:22). If I didn’t hold onto the grace of God in college, then I would have had a harder time finishing the semester strong.
Prayer:
Thank You, God, for loving us past our flaws, insecurities, and shortcomings. As we hold onto You, please continuously surround us with Your selfless love. Amen
Thanks for sharing with such humility. So good and encouraging!
Inspiring! Stay strong.
Leah,
What an inspired devotion this is! Thank you for reminding me of Paul’s words that belief in God is a gift from God. We begin in humility and go forth with God’s love and guidance. We are blessed beyond comprehension!