BY THE GRACE OF GOD

Written & Published by Lolita Buck

Sometimes in the hustle & bustle of life we tend to overlook God's amazing grace. It is in solitude & stillness that we get an opportunity to reflect, so that we can appreciate his love. I am learning this first hand with each new day. The beauty of God's grace is that it isn't about what he does for us. Instead, it's about him doing things for us when we actually don't deserve them. This is what we call the unmerited favor of God. It is only by the grace of God that I stand before you today the woman that I am. Everything about my story says who & what I've become probably shouldn't have been. But I am, who I am, because of the God who lives within me.

Jeremiah 31:2-3
Thus says the LORD: "The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."
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Often times in life we don't get a choice regarding the hand we're dealt. But we do get to choose who or what we will serve & honor in this life. I figured if God extends his love to me daily why not extend that love to others? It is only by the grace of God that I even have the opportunity to do so.

I don't think many people fully understand the significance of God's grace. As the scripture above suggests it's an everlasting love. So whether you're deep in the valley or on the mountain top his faithfulness towards you remains. What a mighty & awesome God we serve! This simply means that the hand you're dealt in life is irrelevant. Regardless of your card suit, God's love trumps them all. I'm telling you this today because I'm a living, breathing, testament to this. God's love overshadows it all. He has the power & authority to make your name great among men even in the most deplorable circumstances.

Genesis 12:2
" I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing."
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It's sort of amazing to me how your life can blossom into something you never imagined. Simply because you take a chance on God. You trust him to do his part while you do yours. To know he's got your back no matter what, is a pretty good feeling. One day I hope to hear each of your stories about how God's amazing grace helped you to flourish. And what it means to you to be wrapped in his unconditional love. But until then...

As you go forward in your daily journey I extend love & peace to each of you. I pray that you find your "it" and that you OWN IT. That the chains of this world be broken off of you & that you walk in the light that God intended you to walk in.

​With dedication & servitude​
​-Lolita