On Thanksgiving 2019, we spent the holiday with our family at a gorgeous beach house in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
This was our first holiday gathering after our youngest daughter, Kristen, passed away. The beach was Kristen’s favorite place. At one time, her dream was to live on the water and be a marine biologist, focusing on the study of sharks. Our entire family has a little “sand in our souls.” While enjoying our getaway, I noticed a sign in front of a nearby house that said, Waves of Grace. At that moment, I knew we were experiencing that perfect and beautiful gift.
Since then, we have visited our favorite vacation spot in Ft Walton, Florida, where we took our girls several times through the years. With each wave as the tide rolls in, I am reminded of how God’s grace has sustained us through the most difficult time of our lives. His grace is sufficient for us because He is our strength in weakness. He has strengthened us, carried us, and met our needs.
Like that special trip to Gulf Shores, God’s grace is a gift. There is nothing we can do to earn it. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we are saved by His grace. He continues to shower us with His grace for the rest of our lives. This does not mean our lives will be perfect and trouble-free. We know that’s not the case, but we know when trouble comes, He is with us and is all we need.
As I watch the waves and feel the cool ocean breeze against my skin, I reminisce about building sandcastles, collecting seashells, watching dolphins, and walking with our girls along this beach. I am reminded of God’s grace and His faithfulness through every season of life. I am convinced we can face anything with Him on our side.
Whatever circumstances you find yourself in, trust God, praise Him for His faithfulness, and rest in His free, unmerited, and beautiful waves of grace.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Melissa Crone is a wife, mother to three beautiful young women, and grandmother of six. For most of her adult life, she has desired to encourage others through sharing the gift of God’s Word. Only after the death of her youngest daughter, Kristen, did she develop a desire to share that encouragement through writing devotions. She now wants to share the comfort she has received with other wounded hearts, especially those who have suffered the loss of a child. She is living proof that God’s grace is sufficient, even in our darkest night. She lives in Dyersburg, Tennessee, with her husband Donnie and enjoys spending time with her family. You can connect with her at nanagramps2202014@outlook.com or through Facebook.