By Steve McRee
“Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, ‘We have defeated him!’ Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall. But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.” Psalm 13:4,5 (NLT)
One of the most amazing things Carla and I get to see at Shepherd’s Gate is how women’s hearts are changed by knowing they are unconditionally loved by God — their Father, their Maker, their Friend.
Women come here so broken by life. Many have experienced deep poverty, horrific abuse or life-controlling addiction. Some have even turned to selling themselves in order to survive or to pay for the drugs their addiction demands.
After so much shame and humiliation, it often takes time for these precious women to see how loved and valued they are by God – that He sees them without anger or scorn, but as His beloved daughters.
When they truly begin to believe that God loves them, they are able to trust Him with their lives — from daily decisions, to work toward a healthy future. They trust Him because they know He loves them no matter what.
The same is true of us. No matter how we’ve fallen short, God loves us and gives us His grace through Christ Jesus. How are you learning to trust Him as you understand His love more deeply?
(photo courtesy of Andre Bohrer)