Lessons Learned: Grace

So I cannot believe I'm in my final semester of Bible school.  This past week I had my senior interview and it's basically a chance to sit down with my dean (who's been an incredible model of intentionality, honesty and grace) and recap the past two years.  Good times and bad and what God's taught me through all of it (both the academic side (classes) and experiences).  It was a really cool way to be reminded of things and even while remembering some moments that I'm not proud of, to see God's hand in it and His desire to redeem even those moments where my brokenness and sinfulness is most evident.  She asked me how the whole concept of Grace has changed since I've been here and I found myself get really emotional as I reflected on the many ways I've been overwhelmed as God so faithfully  and continually extends His grace to me--even in those moments I'm most ashamed of.  Wow, so different from the response I find in others, or even give many times when others fail.  In Christ we have the chance to move on.  Unconditional love that we do not deserve. The opportunity to grow when I'm incompetent to complete the task in front of me.  The room to move on from failure because in and of myself I'm incapable of making good decisions.  I don't know maybe some of you have found yourself in a similar place.  Before the Lord, broken; so aware of your sin; your need exposed and finding that all you can do is hang on to the Lord and trust that He will be faithful.  Because really, when I look back, I see that I've failed so many more times than I care to even recall.  I remember that every time, my amazingly faithful God has been the source of strength that I need.  I remember the promise of Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

And I am certain that God

who began the good work within you,

will continue his work until it is finally finished

on the day when Christ Jesus returns. 

So grow in grace my friend.  

Bendiciones:

Kristen

Two girls that have modeled grace so genuinely in my life. 

My dean Martha (R) and great friend Deborah (middle).