Eyes Open to God’s Grace

By Milena Beatriz Silva
São Paulo, Brazil

Editor’s Note: We end 2022 with a five-day devotional series written by several sisters in ICOC churches in Brazil. May these devotional thoughts encourage your hearts as we enter 2023!

When we hear the same thing for years, we usually believe it. Even if it's a lie. Regardless of how old we are, we may have built the wrong foundations within us about who we are. And then, when we look in the mirror, our image is distorted. Sometimes we still see ourselves as the women we were when we were found: still in sin, defined and being guided by our emotions or impulses.

Even if it's been years since you sat down and the assessed affirmations you have about yourself, take a moment to think about the way you position yourself in times of crisis. What fears or reactions do you have when you’re in danger? When there's something new right in front of you, what do you do?

For many years, I let myself be guided by my emotions and false “truths” about myself. I saw myself wasting my life and the talents that God had given me because I couldn't even identify what those talents were. In the face of life's situations, I found myself embracing my old sins out of fear and reverting to old habits.

But standing before God’s Word, I was exposed to the truth of how I had been set free.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Jesus has already died for me and for my cowardice. Jesus has already carried the burden of my sins, once and for all. All that is up to me now is to live as one who is freed from the sentence of sins that I lived.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)

Making the decision today to surrender myself again before God, putting my fears and my choices at His feet, I surrender to live the truth of My Lord's grace toward me. There is no condemnation against me now. I have been totally forgiven and I can rejoice in the presence and security of His love for me.

Dear sisters, I encourage you to put all your thoughts about yourself before God, and let Him reveal the truth about how He sees you. His truth will set you free because He rules the world with truth and grace. 

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-32 (NIV)

Questions for Reflection:

1. Reread Romans 8:1-2. What does that verse mean to you? Do you find it easy or difficult to accept the attitude of “no condemnation”?  Why?
2. In what ways do your emotions affect how you view yourself before God?  Can you think of any Bible verses that can help you stand on the truth of how God views you?