If you’ve ever wondered how God could use someone like you, you’re not alone. I’ve asked myself that question during grief, during failure, and during the quiet seasons when nothing made sense. And each time, God whispers the same truth: By the grace of God I am what I am.
A bit ago, I was sitting thinking about my life and my past. I’ve been through a lot, and I’ve done a lot. Some of it was good, some of it bad. But either way you slice it, by the grace of God, I am what I am.
God’s grace is a boundless and unmerited gift that offers us forgiveness, strength, and the ability to grow in our faith.
It makes me feel like a spiritual butterfly that transforms time and time again into what He wants me to become.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Through His grace, we are redeemed and empowered to live lives that reflect His love and mercy regardless of where we’ve been [in our lives] or what we’ve done.
The best part is that His grace is with us even when life is giving us a swift kick in the pants.
To prove my point, this is what the Apostle Paul wrote:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV).
This passage of scripture tells us that God has our backs no matter what. He has you covered.
He’s there giving us the strength we need, even when we’re feeling our weakest.
It’s a powerful reminder that we’re never really alone because divine support is always with us during tough times.
Plus, this same grace helps us stay calm and strong, allowing us to push through hardships and hold fast to our hope and faith in Jesus.
I know that is my story. Without a doubt, by the grace of God, I am what I am.
Is it your story too?
By His grace, I didn’t lose my mind!
I’ll bet you have a testimony like that, too.
Humor me and take a moment to think about your most challenging life season.
Can you believe you made it through it???
If you are enduring it now, I’m so sorry. But I know you will make it to the other side if you trust Jesus.
Attend church regularly.
Read your Bible and trust Him one day at a time, okay?
Get through this time in your life.
It will not last forever, Sweet Sister.
He’s got you.
He loves you so much. You are precious to Him.
A moment of personal reflection
Looking back over the past two years of my life, I thought I’d lose my mind so many times.
My mom declined and almost melted away right in front of me.
The people I thought I’d rely on weren’t there.
The family I thought would help (and I do not have much), did not.
They just wanted to pretend they were “in the know” and part of her life without actually being there up close and personal.
Do you know people like that?
They did not see her struggle for her words, fight to breathe, or cry when they would leave her.
Why? Because they were not there.
They did not witness the confusion.
Nor did they have to care for her most private needs or exhaust their retirement funds for her care.
It was just me and God.
It was so hard and lonely.
Without my cousins Marcia, Tim, and my kids, I would have surely lost it. They were an illustration of God’s grace.
Depression plummeted me.
The hardest part was the hours I spent comforting and reassuring her because she didn’t understand her own life anymore.
I’d sing to her, rub her head, change her clothes, and sing songs to get her to eat.
All while seeing the most precious person of my entire existence slip further and further from me.
When exhausted, I’d do funny dances to make her laugh and patiently listen to her sing old hymns time and time again while choking back bitter, burning tears.
Utterly devastating. My mom became almost like a child to me. I missed her all while taking care of her.
What a juxtaposition.
Yes, by the grace of God I am what I am. I’ve forgiven them all, but that doesn’t mean I don’t remember what happened.
However, when I remember it, I do not feel anger.
But it did happen. I do not mean to be unkind. I am not messy, I’m authentic.
I will always speak the truth as I experienced it.
It helps me heal.
It helps us all heal.
I won’t throw it in their faces, but I also won’t pretend those who were there were not.
My issue is NOT that they were not there (people have their own lives); it’s the fakery on social media and in life. It’s the acting as though they shared more than DNA with my mom.
It’s the wanting to sit with and ride in funeral cars when you were absent.
Yes, I said it.
People like to post past photos and proclaim the love they had for my mom—I let them without commentary.
But, in my heart, I knew she did not feel the warmth of their presence.
Zero hard feelings. I promise. As I am forgiven, I have forgiven.
Hey, let me stay here for a moment. Be there for your loved ones, especially the elderly if they don’t have anyone.
Don’t leave it to one person to do everything.
It only hurts them.
Back to my “by the grace of God I am what I am” reflection.
Thankfully, He was there
When her money ended, I was blessed that mine began.
When her strength failed, mine kicked in.
In all my life, I would have never believed God’s grace would carry me through what I went through, but it did.
Let me make one thing clear: I am not special. He didn’t give me something He won’t give all His children.
It will carry you too.
God is there for you, just like He was for me. He guided me through the most challenging times and strengthened me when I felt weak.
His presence provided comfort when I was lost and light when the path ahead seemed dark. Through it all, I found hope and resilience in His unwavering support.
You can, too, if you open your heart and accept His direction and sovereignty.
Lean back into His purpose for your life.
He has the power to heal painful wounds and mend broken, despairing spirits, offering a serene refuge from all life’s storms.
Relying on His endless wisdom and love, you’ll find the strength to get you through the roughest patches of your life – just like I did.
I found them in the love of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
Isaiah 41:10, NIV, BibleGateway.com
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
How grace can look
Did you know you can spot examples of the Lord’s grace all around us in real life, where God’s unearned love and kindness pop up in our daily lives?
I thought it would be fun to list out a few ways God’s grace shows up.
If we aren’t careful, we could easily take many of them for granted.
Check this out, Christian Woman; here are a few ways it shows up for all of us every day!
Forgiveness After Mistakes:
Say you make a serious mistake, such as betraying a friend or family member, and you are later forgiven and given a second chance: it reflects God’s grace.
Provision in Times of Need:
A great example of God’s grace is when He provides for us even when we don’t deserve it. He gives us peace, joy, comfort, cars, clothes, and loved ones—all because of His grace.
Pause and thank Him now for His grace! I know I am!
Healing and Recovery:
A cold that didn’t turn to pneumonia, a car accident you lived through, or a danger you didn’t even know was looming—each one of these things is a perfect illustration of God’s AMAZING grace.
You can definitely say by the grace of God I am what I am!!!
Transformation of Lives:
Has God changed your life? Has He turned your life totally around?
Did He fix “it” and you? That’s His grace! Aren’t you like totally amazed at how much God has changed you as a person?
I know I am!
He rebuilt me like a kid and created something cool for a bunch of Legos scattered all over the floor!
He put me back together again. Did He do the same for you?
Peace in Difficult Circumstances:
Another example is feeling an overwhelming sense of peace and comfort during times of intense trial or grief. This aligns with Philippians 4:7, which says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
God’s grace gives us peace that surpasses our understanding and comprehension. I know He has for me in the last several years.
I’m going to say it again: by the grace of God I am what I am!!!!!
Acts of Kindness and Mercy:
I am barely writing this part without crying. I’m feeling the tears well up at this very moment.
Think about when people go out of their way to help you, showing kindness and mercy without expecting anything in return.
This reflects God’s grace—the grace that makes you who you are and what you are.
The cards.
The gifts.
The hugs.
Through my church family, God is building me and transforming me into a better version of myself. Their kindness keeps me strong.
It helps me sacrifice a “normal life” and release my husband with joy to build the Kingdom.
Yes, by the grace of God I am what I am, and also by the grace of my church family.
Note: if you’re reading this and you comment, do not say the church’s name. This is still a public place. GodsyGirl gets thousands of visitors, and some do not like me for my Christian faith. I ignore the comments, but don’t need them knowing where I am. Thanks for guarding my privacy. <3
Back to my thoughts about by the grace of God I am what I am.
There is a “By the grace of God I am what I am Bible verse”
Have you read the scripture below:
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:10
Let me finish by saying all the magnanimous grace we’ve received; let’s make sure the grace we received is not in vain.
Work your gifts
Do what you can to stay close to the Lord by praying daily, listening to, and reading your Bible.
Then, use your gifts to build the Kingdom and those around you.
How can you make sure the grace you received is not in vain?
I am asking myself that question all the time now.
Doing things that seem out of reach for me like writing a book to encourage Christian singles.
After reading this, are you doing the same?
What can you do for the Kingdom that is out of your realm of ability or mental possibility?
Think about it for a minute. Comment below if you want.
Make it something hard so God can get the glory from it!
I have a do devotional for you.
Devotional: The Courage to Be Real
Scripture Focus:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
— Psalm 139:23 (NIV)
There’s a quiet pressure many Christian women feel but rarely talk about—the pressure to be polished, composed, and unshakably spiritual. But God never asked us to fake perfection. He asked us to walk in truth, even when that truth is messy.
Authenticity isn’t about airing all your struggles for the world to see. It’s about being honest with God and yourself—and letting that honesty shape how you show up with others. It’s the freedom to say, “I’m still growing,” while holding tightly to the God who grows you.
In a world that celebrates highlight reels, being real is an act of courage. And for Christian women, it’s an act of faith. Because when you stop hiding behind spiritual clichés or curated images, you give God space to meet you exactly where you are—and He always does.
There have been seasons in my life where I wore a smile but felt hollow inside. I prayed aloud but held back the truth in private. And yet, God’s grace never changed. The more I dared to bring my real fears, real questions, and real failures to Him, the more peace I experienced.
You don’t have to perform for God. You just have to present yourself honestly—offering your whole self, not just the acceptable parts. That’s when growth begins. That’s when healing happens. That’s when your authenticity becomes a testimony.
Pause and Reflect
Ask yourself:
Where am I still pretending? What am I hiding that God already sees? What would it look like to let Him into those hidden places?
A Quiet Prayer
Lord, I want to be real with You. Strip away the parts of me that perform or pretend. Teach me how to walk in truth—with You, with others, and within myself. Thank You for loving me as I am, not as I try to appear. Help me release the need to impress and embrace the freedom of authenticity in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Something to Remember
Authenticity doesn’t disqualify you from ministry, leadership, or influence. It’s what qualifies you. Realness connects. It reminds others they’re not alone. And it keeps you close to the God who made you—fearfully and wonderfully, flaws and all.
Want to dive deeper? You might enjoy this related post:
Being Real, Even When It’s Not Pretty – GodsyGirl.com
Here’s a warm, grounded call to action to end your devotional blog post on authenticity:
If this message stirred something in you, don’t brush it off. Spend a little time with God today—not the polished version of yourself, but the real you.
He already sees her, and He loves her deeply.
And if you’re craving more soul-deep encouragement like this, I invite you to subscribe to my email list or explore more devotionals at GodsyGirl.com. Let’s walk this journey of faith together—real, imperfect, and rooted in grace.
