Living “not by works”
Hi lovely ladies!
I hope you’re all doing well! Today, I wanted to share something close to my heart about living “not by works” as women of faith. God’s love and grace are gifts we don’t have to earn—and that’s such a freeing truth!
Growing up in a Christian home, my faith was rooted in fear. I used to believe that my standing with God depended entirely on my actions. I felt anxious and burdened, constantly worried that if I messed up, I would lose the love of God. But everything changed when I was 15. A powerful sermon opened my eyes to the idea that God’s love isn’t earned—it’s given. That was a revelation! I began to understand that faith isn’t a checklist of good and bad deeds but a relationship filled with love and grace.
Now, I live for God not out of fear but out of joy. I know I’ll make mistakes, but that no longer defines my relationship with Him. Instead, I embrace His love and forgiveness, and I’m grateful for the freedom I’ve found. This journey is beautiful, and I’m excited to keep growing in this loving relationship!
In a world that tells us to do more and be more, it’s easy to feel like we’re never quite enough. We juggle expectations from society and ourselves, trying to stay on top of everything. This constant “grind” can lead to burnout. But God offers us a different path—one that invites us to release the pressure and live anchored in grace. Ephesians 2:8 tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” God loves us not because of what we do, but simply because we are His.
And when we feel weak, that’s when His grace shines brightest. Jesus says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” It’s okay to embrace our limits, knowing that His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.
Living by grace also means practicing gratitude and prayer. Taking a few moments each day to thank God for His blessings keeps our hearts grounded in His love. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” This daily practice lets us let go of control, trusting that He’s working all things together for our good.
So let’s lean into His grace and release the pressure. Take a deep breath and remember: you’re loved beyond measure. You don’t have to be “enough” on your own—His grace is all you need.
With love and gratitude,
Esther Joshua x