“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:9a, NIV).

I attended the funeral today for the daughter of a dear Christian friend. She died of cancer in her 40s. Though raised in a wonderful Christian church and home, her life became a struggle that she never fully overcame. The struggle led to anger, addictions and broken relationships. She moved in directions that would have made Jesus cry, but Jesus never let go of her. A friend described how she visited this young woman in her last few days. As she left, she told my friend’s daughter, “Jesus loves you.” The daughter replied, “I know He loves me,” then with a smile added, “I’m His favorite.”

The more I watch life, the more I settle into God’s grace.

This young lady traveled in and out of hell during her lifetime. Underneath it all, she loved people and was a spark of joy for many. As her pastor said, “She was able to reach people for God whom nobody else could reach.” Her difficulties in life allowed her to touch those whom the church would never have touched otherwise. She was a special key on God’s piano, as He played a concert of grace for those who would never have heard it without her.

Like many of us, she strayed away from Jesus, but she came back home. And her way of straying was no more egregious than mine. Her need for God’s grace was no greater than mine. God’s offer of grace to her was no less genuine than His offer to me, and the cost to God for that grace was just the same.

She would have suffered less if she had been able to follow Jesus more closely. I suspect God’s best plan for her life did not involve the pain and chains she suffered. God took this young woman He loved and used her in eternal ways to scatter His love to others. Her life was not wasted. She is home now with the One who loves her most, and the same grace that brought her there will also bring me home someday.

Dear Father,

I know who I am and rest completely on your grace.

Amen