God’s Grace in Our Brokenness

I saw a quote on Facebook the other day: “Sometimes we're so ashamed of ourselves that we automatically feel like Jesus is too. But He's not. He knew you'd struggle, He knew you'd make some wrong decisions, He knew you'd go through some rough phases, but He still chose the cross. Don't run from Him. Run to Him.” — Cyndi Millett.

Growing up, we had a neighbor who lived just down a gravel road from us. It was a quick bike ride to visit her. In her yard, one of my favorite parts was the tire swing that hung from a tall tree by a long, sturdy rope. My sisters and I would bike over to twist and turn as we swung, spinning ourselves until we were dizzy.

One day, as I was swinging higher and higher, the rope snapped. The swing tumbled to the ground with me in it. I wasn’t seriously hurt, but I was scared and embarrassed. Rather than knock on the neighbor’s door and explain what happened, my sisters and I hopped on our bikes and pedaled quickly home, leaving the broken swing behind.

Our neighbor soon discovered the broken rope. But she wasn’t angry, as my young mind had feared. She was concerned. She called my mom to check on us and make sure no one had been hurt.

Looking back, I can see God's character in that moment. How often do we mess up or feel ashamed, and our first instinct is to avoid Him? Like I pedaled away from our neighbor, we run from the One who is waiting with compassion and care. God isn’t angry when we come to Him with our brokenness. He’s concerned for us. He wants to help us be okay, to remind us of His love, and to walk with us through the mess.

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace

with confidence,

so that we may receive mercy

and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Jesus knew we would stumble and struggle. He chose the cross knowing every wrong turn and rough phase we’d face. His arms are open, not to condemn, but to welcome and restore.

This week’s challenge: Take a moment to think about something you’ve been avoiding bringing to God. Maybe it’s a mistake, a habit, or even a fear. Instead of running away, bring it to Him in prayer. Trust His grace and let Him remind you that you’re loved and not alone.