Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

You will find encouragement today from Shandyn Paul as she shares about God’s gift of grace.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

I'd attended church my whole life, been baptized, served on mission trips, and attended Bible studies.

I was a good Christian girl until I wasn't.

I made a mistake, and the effects were rippling. My heart sank as I read an email from a Christian mentor. Shame and condemnation seethed from his words.

I felt ashamed, abandoned, rejected, and unloved. I couldn't see a way out from the rubble. If the church couldn't love me, I was certain God couldn't either.

For years, shame smothered me. When I felt whispers from my Father, I dismissed them because surely, He would never use a girl like me.

When I finally stepped back into a steepled building, I worried everyone would see the shame smeared across me. I felt I was too far gone.

But then, I met grace.

In her book Dance, Stand, Run, Jess Connolly writes, "And when, in His grief, He leans toward us again—while we're still sinners and sure to keep running—to make a way for us to still be in relationship with Him, just because He loves us and wants good for us and glory for Him—THAT is grace."

My testimony is His grace.

God lifted me up and said, "I'm not done with you yet." His strength, goodness, and grace had room to shine in my mistakes and regrets.

Sometimes, I recall that email. Again, I feel small, ashamed, and unworthy of love from the King of Kings. But thank God, my life doesn't depend on the opinion of others but only on the love and grace of my Father.

If you feel shame or think you’re too far gone, allow me to introduce you to grace. Grace says you're never beyond His reach, and He will never stop chasing after you.

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com/