Grace Abounds: Hope and Healing From Sexual AbuseSample

I reflect on how I learned the 23rd Psalm, and I am grateful for a mom who followed God’s prompting to teach her children to incorporate His word in our everyday lives. It was tradition for my family to recite this scripture at the beginning of our first car ride of the day. As we buckled our seat belts, Mom looked back at us, and, on cue, we said the 23rd Psalm.

My sisters and I did this daily out of respect for our mother, not necessarily because we wanted to recite the scripture. Mom chose to lead from a place of obedience, releasing the precious seed of God onto the fresh soil of our young hearts. As this seed established itself in my heart, my choice transformed from a chore to a desire to live for a God who loves deeply.

As my mom's obedience resulted in my growth, your obedience to God's calling can lead to the spiritual growth of others. Regardless of your past experiences, God uses your journey to tell an incredible story about His compassion to empower you with strength and clothe you with righteousness. He uses your testimony to vindicate and rescue those having similar experiences. God transforms you to fulfill His ultimate purpose for humanity: to love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind and to love others as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).

True fulfillment is drawing close to God, accomplishing His purposes, and encouraging others through similar journeys. In doing this, you become living examples of God’s extraordinary love, living a life that abounds in grace.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Teach the woman reading this today to walk with You on the path You created specifically for her. Help her recognize the enemy's attempts to distract her with struggles, strongholds, and pain in this life. Encourage her to embrace You as the Shepherd who never requires perfection for companionship. Lord, thank You for Your mercy, everlasting love, and grace that overcomes any sin committed by or against her. Forgive her for her sins, and help her walk in hope for a future of fulfillment and peace. May she live as a vessel to bring glory and honor to Your holy name. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Remember, God promises in Isaiah 61, “To bestow on (you) a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Did this plan encourage you? We’d love to get to know you better. Connect with GRACE Ministries of Alabama at graceministries.life .