The Power of God's Grace

"The Lord will give grace and glory. He will not keep back any good thing from those whose ways are upright." “

Psalm 84:11

"From Brokenness to Blessing - The Gift of Grace!"

Life often feels like a series of storms. Some are mild and fleeting—moments of frustration or disappointment. Others are hurricanes that shake us to our very core. They come in many forms: a devastating loss, a health crisis, or a broken relationship. In these moments, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and question how we’ll make it through. But as I’ve learned through my journey, the grace of God is the anchor that holds us steady when the winds rage and the waves threaten to pull us under.

One of the most profound examples of grace sustaining me came during a season of relentless health challenges. I faced not only the physical pain but the emotional weight of uncertainty. There were days I couldn’t pray; I could only cry. Yet, even in my silence, God’s grace was present, whispering, “I’ve got you.”

The Apostle Paul speaks to this truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where the Lord says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s response was one of profound trust: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” This scripture has been my lifeline in the midst of life’s storms. It reminds me that grace doesn’t always remove the storm but gives us the strength to endure it.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on Paul’s shipwreck experience in Acts 27. Paul was a prisoner aboard a ship sailing to Rome, and the journey was fraught with danger. Despite Paul’s warning that disaster lay ahead, the ship’s crew pressed on. A violent storm arose, lasting for days and plunging everyone into despair. In the midst of the chaos, Paul stood and declared, “But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed” (Acts 27:22).

What gave Paul such confidence in the face of impending disaster? It was grace—the unshakable assurance that God was in control. Paul revealed that an angel of the Lord had appeared to him, saying, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you” (Acts 27:24). Paul’s faith in God’s promises sustained not only him but also everyone aboard the ship. When the ship eventually ran aground and broke apart, every passenger reached land safely, just as God had said.

This story demonstrates that grace doesn’t always calm the storm immediately, but it carries us through it. God’s grace gives us the courage to stand firm, the peace to trust His plan, and the strength to endure. Just as Paul’s confidence inspired those around him, our reliance on God’s grace can become a beacon of hope for others navigating their own storms.

I’ll never forget one such moment in my life. It was after my ninth surgery—a procedure I wasn’t sure I’d survive. As I lay in the hospital bed, the weight of fear pressed heavily on my chest. But then, the words of Psalm 46:1 came to mind: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Slowly, I began to feel His presence, like a warm blanket wrapping around my soul. It didn’t take the pain away, but it filled me with a peace that defied logic. That’s what grace does—it sustains us in ways we can’t explain.

Grace also shifts our perspective. When we’re in the middle of a storm, it’s easy to focus on the chaos around us. But grace lifts our eyes to the One who commands the winds and waves. Just as Jesus calmed the storm for His disciples in Mark 4:39, He speaks peace into the storms of our lives. When we lean into His grace, we find the strength to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Let me encourage you: whatever storm you’re facing today, you don’t have to navigate it alone. God’s grace is available to you. It’s not something you earn or deserve; it’s a gift, freely given. Grace reminds us that we are never abandoned, no matter how fierce the storm may seem. As Paul’s story illustrates, even when the ship breaks apart, God’s grace ensures that we reach the shore.