“May grace and peace be multiplied to you.”
1 Peter 1:2
In my experience, God’s grace always precedes His peace. Let me explain. Years ago, as a young adult still growing in my faith, I faced a life-altering moment—a gut punch that nearly knocked me down. I say nearly because, if not for the grace of God, I could not have experienced His peace, or maybe even, made it through.
It wasn’t unusual for my ex-husband to be absent after work, sometimes disappearing for entire weekends. This was one of those times. On this particular Monday morning, after seeing my daughters off to school, I began preparing to take my six-month-old twins to the YMCA, where I taught fitness classes five days a week. Looking back, I see how God, in His grace, places people in our lives at just the right time. At the YMCA, He led me to Pearl, a childcare worker who loved my boys as if they were her own. To this day, I thank God for the grace she extended during those difficult years.
As I was about to pick up my boys in their car seat carriers, my ex-husband burst through the front door. He stopped abruptly, seeing me in the doorway, and nonchalantly said, “Don’t take it personally, but I don’t want to be married to you anymore.” He then marched past me like a sea captain abandoning a sound vessel to pack up his belongings.
The gut punch was real. It hurt. My mind swirled with emotions—I wanted to scream, cry, and beg him to stay, but in that moment, I did the only thing I knew to do: I cried out to God. “What should I do, Lord?” And I heard one word: Go.
So, I did.
I picked up my babies, walked out the door, and left my home, completely unaware of how I would make it. But God knew.
“May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.”
Philippians 1:2
I don’t share this story for sympathy, but in hopes that someone will be encouraged. No matter how difficult the situation, God’s grace is always available. I love the phrase grace upon grace because it reminds me that we cannot earn God’s grace—it is His unmerited favor and love, given freely.
My flesh wanted to fall apart, but the Spirit of God carried me where I needed to be that morning. I stepped into my fitness class and into my calling. There, I found peace—no obstacles, no distractions—just the joy of leading my class in worship through movement. I didn’t share my burdens with my students; they came for a workout, not my heartache. So, I gave my burdens to God, and in return, gave them the most faith-filled class of my life. As I look back, it was only by His grace that I was able to stand, teach, and move forward.
For five years I raised my children as a single mother with no child support. I earned about $5,000 a year, yet somehow, by the grace of God, every need was met. When I needed something, I prayed—and God provided. He even used a beautiful Christian couple to help me in ways I could never repay. I thank God for them.
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Hebrews 4:16
Isn’t that exactly what His Word promises? I believed it then, and I believe it now.
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19
I do not advocate for divorce. Divorce is painful. There are no winners. The children suffer, as do the adults. Sometimes marriages crumble, but know God is always with you, and all things are possible for those who believe. I trusted Him, and He carried me through.
Maybe you are thinking, “Oh, she’s stronger than me, or because she was abandoned and adopted, she’s experienced at disappointments, and better prepared than me.” Hear my heart, before there was peace, I had to give myself to a glorious God who provided grace!
If you are facing a challenging time—whether divorce, loss, or uncertainty—know this: there is hope. There is grace. There is peace. Don’t waste time feeling sorry for self or about your situation. God sees what you’re going through, and He will meet your spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. He will meet you right in the middle of your despair and carry you to His peace.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
2 Corinthians 13:14