Take a seat in His Grace, friend

I admit it, I was already such a nerd back then. I thought my world had ended when my final exam in English was only an A-. haha.

When I think back to that time, I can only laugh, because what unnecessary stress I've caused myself over the years.

Even if, for once, I came home with a very low mark, my parents would say, "Next time will be better." No punishment. No pocket money reduction. Nothing.

However, I put myself through this great stress. Worry, sleepless nights, fear of failure, maybe even fear of not being loved anymore...

friend, are you aware that this attitude you had in school or the experience you had back then can also be the reason why you see God the way you see Him today? Or why you might think He doesn't love you anymore and can't forgive you?

If you always expect to be punished for your failures, because maybe that's how you experienced it as a child, then your image of God is faulty. Perhaps, like me, you worry needlessly about your punishment and overlook the fact that, like my parents did, God is waiting for you with love?

Misunderstanding this creates distance, but God is a God who desires closeness.

friend, remember one thing: God is just, so we suffer natural consequences, but in His mercy, God forgives and loves us. 

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.’” (John 1:29 NIV)

friend, take a seat in His Grace. In this grace that is available to you thanks to Jesus' death on the cross. Anytime! Today! Now!

Don't stress yourself out any longer, friend! It's already done! Jesus has already taken your sins upon Himself. Now you may accept this love, and take your place in His grace!

You are a miracle!