“Amazing grace – How sweet the sound! That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found; was blind but now I see.”
My mother always said she felt God picked her kids’ names. Her and my dad prayed about each one, and named us accordingly. Throughout our lives, she’s seen how our names fit us for one reason or another. Over the years, I’ve seen it too.
I knew what “Grace” meant ever since I was little. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. But I didn’t really understand that grace until I got saved at 16 years old. A few years later I got married, and shortly after proceeded to miscarry five babies, mostly due to a genetic blood disease and severe vitamin deficiency. We began waiting on God, and it was there, in the mess of grief, I began to grasp grace more deeply – because I needed it so desperately. As promised, God’s mercies were new every morning. It didn’t take away the pain, but I was given strength to sit in the pain as God rearranged my heart.
We waited on God for almost exactly a year before finding out I was pregnant with our son. We had him and were thrilled! Being a mom is such a gift. ❤️
However, pregnancy had taken a toll on my body, and because of my health issues, it took me years to feel better. I also went on to be diagnosed with endometriosis which can cause bouts of severe pain at times. We have been trying fruitlessly to get pregnant again, and realized our amazing little boy is autistic, so we embarked on the special needs parenting journey.
Needless to say, this heart was still in desperate need of grace.
As I prayed to God about needing grace, I realized it’s all around us. We just don’t always take the trouble of noticing. When we approach God in time of need with humility and faith, grace and mercy are promises we can count on.
My mom was right; my name fits. I need God’s grace. Not because of my past losses or physical ailments or present learning opportunities, but because I’m a sinner, prone to wander. I’ve said it before – my struggles just open my eyes to see my deep need of Christ.
Need keeps me coming back to throne of grace where I am offered mercy, strength for the day, lasting joy, and forgiveness for when I don’t come.
I can’t lie; I would not pick hard things. I just asked my husband, “Do you think it’s wrong that sometimes I wish we could just have the life we dreamed about?”
But then I think of the old hymn,
“Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall posses within the veil a life of joy and peace.”
Someday all will be well, because Christ manifested His grace on the cross where He shed His blood for my sins. He made a way for me to have a new life, forever with Him. It will be better than anything I could have ever dreamed.
“Through many dangers toils and snares, I have already come! His grace has brought me safe this far and grace will lead me home.”
Even today, God’s grace flows in abundance, but sometimes we have to choose to see it. That’s what this blog is all about. Together, we’ll go to the throne of grace and receive the rich blessings God gives us as His children. I’m glad you’re along for the journey.
Keep coming to the throne of grace, friend. There is so much to rejoice in and, dare I say, look forward to:
“When we’ve been there ten thousand years – bright shining as the sun – We’ve no less days to sing God’s grace then when we’ve first begun!”
© Grace Baeten 2022
The Misplaced Mom 
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