Mistakes, mishaps, and poor decisions have haunted us all, but they don’t have to define us or our future.

Let’s face it, we live in a culture that paves the road to sin with temptations around every corner. You name it, we can partake. However, our faith calls us to go against the cultural bent toward sin and rise above it.

Yet, in our moments of weakness, where we fall short, we have a choice to make. Do we always make the right choice? No. Do we typically get another chance? Yes. Herein lies the opportunity for mercy to make its mark.

Mistakes can be painful when there are natural consequences attached. Some consequences are more apparent than others. The big ones are broadcasted for all to see, while others are hidden in the deep cracks of our soul.

Even so, beyond the natural consequences of poor choices and mistakes, God has provided the kindness and compassion of Mercy. It’s a covering of forgiveness. A shield of protection hewn from a place of love so deep and wide we can’t comprehend the scope of it.

While studying this week, it was hard to find references of mercy without grace. Although different, grace and mercy go hand-in-hand. Without fail, they are seamlessly intertwined and linked together.

To differentiate the two, mercy is God not punishing us as our sins deserve. Grace, on the other hand, is God blessing us even when we don’t deserve it. Spared, and favored. Both divine gifts. And both are vital in our time of need.

Within the context of Hebrews 4:12-16, we learn how Jesus can empathize with all our weaknesses. And because of that, we can approach him in our time of need with confidence that he understands our plight and will extend mercy for our mistakes.

This is where we experience forgiveness, comfort, and wisdom to make better choices next time.

Our challenge is to trust Him in the midst of consequences. Like me, you could probably rattle off a number of things that trip you up on a consistent basis—mistakes, mishaps, and poor decisions that require God’s mercy. But let’s not. Not today.

Instead, let’s focus on the fact that God gives us His mercy generously and lavishly, not because of what we do or don’t do. But solely because of who He is.

Therefore, in these moments of need, and they happen to us all, let’s remember we have a God who has extended mercy in order to bless us with His grace. It’s a gift, period. We can’t earn it. We can’t reproduce it. But we can open our hearts to receive it.

Big Hug to you for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be blessed by His grace and mercy.