God’s Grace

Feeling Like Cancelling Today? Read This First

| Flo

Do you sometimes wish you could return the day? Just get a refund or a credit for another day 😄 😅

You think, “Hey, Day, I see you. You’re what the Lord made so you’re good, but I’m not down with you like that. I do not feel like rejoicing and being glad in you.”

That was me today. I wanted an exchange for a brand new sparkly one, complete with enhancements and favourable circumstances. I was over today before it even started!

So what do you do when that happens? You’ve decided today is a write-off. What next?

Well, here’s a recipe I’m trying:

Start with discernment

Recognise that what you’re thinking and feeling is natural but also comes from a broken place. It’s coming from your flesh – that part of all of us, our mortal bodies, which is inconsistent with God’s will and design. It places comfort, relief and pleasures at very high and detrimental levels yet accomplishes nothing. John 6:63 tells us that the Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.

Add copious amounts of grace

We’re called to show grace, not just to others, but to ourselves. Be kind and compassionate with yourself. Show yourself some love, mercy and forgiveness (Romans 12:10, James 2:13).

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, 
forgiving one another, 
even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

Show up anyway

Decide to show up despite whatever is happening then find ways to do so. This photo popped up on my radar this morning just when I needed it and I think it’s very spot on and on-brand with giving oneself grace in showing up:

Ask for help

Let’s be honest, sometimes you do your best and find it still falls short. Ouch. Lucky for us, we have a Helper to assist us (John 15:26) and therefore we can do all things through Christ who gives us courage and strength. 

For I can do everything 
through Christ, 
who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

So ask God for help and ask people, too.

Garnish with joy and gladness

This one is a difficult one when the going gets tough. Yet this is exactly what Jesus commands. He gives us peace that passes understanding and joy that transcends less-than-ideal days. Philippians 4:4,7 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

It’s midday now, and this recipe has been working for me. I think it’s actually turning out to be a good day after all. I’m glad I didn’t write it off.

What about you? What do you do when you feel like throwing the day away 🚮 ?

Love,

Days Are Coming!

| Flo

Growing up, we had a house keeper with whom I shared a surprisingly close bond. I was a teenager then, and despite the difference in our circumstances, we had so much in common.  had many things in common. She was more like a friend than an employee. She was funny, kind, and genuinely enjoyed my company. I, too, loved spending time with her. We had long conversations, shared laughs, and occasionally went on little outings together.

At some point, she started cryptically saying, “Days are coming.” When I’d ask what she meant, she would just smile. There was a palpable level of excitement and anticipation when she said it, a knowing look on her face. One day, she resigned and left. A guy had swept her off her feet. I believe they got married and relocated. Although I missed her and felt a little upset that she left without a proper goodbye, I couldn’t begrudge her her happiness.

The weird saying finally made sense, days are coming. She was on a countdown to a life-changing event, and she just couldn’t wait. I’m sure it marked the beginning of an exciting and new life.

That phrase came back to me today as I was reading my Bible.

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – Ephesians 5:1 – 2 NIV

As I reflected on this verse, something struck me again: everything God calls me to do is something He has already done. He leads by example. Not only that, He gives me the grace to do it too. As Christians, we are imitators of Christ. When God calls us to love, forgive, give, and pray, He is not asking us to do anything foreign to His own nature.

God loves to bless. In Philippians 4:19 (NLT), it says, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” And Romans 8:32 (NLT) tells us, “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” 

Second, Christ is generous. We’re told to give, and the gift will be return to us – a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into our laps (Luke 6:38). God is also slow to anger and quick to forgive (Psalm 145:8 NIV) and he calls us to completely forgive those who wrong us (Matthew 18:21-22).

Even prayer—something He urges us to practice—is something He models. Jesus is an intercessor himself. He often withdrew to pray while He was on earth (Luke 5:16; Luke 22:32; John 17:9) , and even now He intercedes for us before the Father (Romans 8:34). Finally, perhaps the most profound example is love. God is love. He loved us all to the point of death, withholding nothing good from us. He calls us to follow His example and love others unconditionally.

I don’t know about you, but I find that can be incredibly difficult. People disappoint us. They hurt us. They behave in ways that feel impossible to love. Generosity can feel risky in a world that tells us to look out for ourselves. Forgiveness can feel unfair when there’s no apology, no change, and no guarantee it won’t happen again.

Sometimes, it’s tempting to give up and think, “This is too hard.” At times I’m painfully aware of how unlike Christ I can be. Then I remember that I am exactly like Christ:

Because as He is, so are we in this world. – 1 John 4:17

I remember God’s grace. Grace is God’s help. It is His power working in me, enabling me to do what I cannot do on my own. As Philippians 4:13 reminds us, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. And when I fall short—and I do—grace meets me there too. Christ offers forgiveness, restoration, and another chance to begin again.

This is one of the things I love most about God’s character. He doesn’t simply give commands from a distance. He leads by example and walks with us every step of the way, offering strength, mercy, and guidance. He is righteous and perfect, yet gentle and compassionate. And He calls me to become more like Him. That thought fills me with the same sense of anticipation my old friend once carried. I’m not perfect yet. But days are coming.

Days when I will love more fully. Days when Christ’s character will shine more clearly in my life. Each day I grow to be more like Him. And one day, I will be completely transformed—perfect, radiant, and whole in His presence.

Days are coming!!

Love,