What is God’s Great Gift to You?

If you’ve been following my blog, you already know that weekends and sometimes weeknights are special moments in our home. Not because we go on big trips or do something fancy, but because of something simple: baking with my son, David.

There’s a kind of joy that comes from working side by side in the kitchen. We mix ingredients together, knead dough with our hands, and wait eagerly to see if it rises just right in the oven. The excitement in our eyes when we see the bread puff up or when the brownies turn out with the perfect crackle on top it’s priceless. 

It’s not always perfect, though. Sometimes we mess up. The dough doesn’t rise. The yeast was inactive. The brownies turn out too sweet or too dry. And when that happens, we don’t give up. We just try again.

That simple process of baking has become more than a hobby for us. It has become a space where we see God’s grace at work where we learn about life, failure, patience, and love. Just like how failed dough needs to be remade, our lives too need a second chance when things go wrong.

Romans 5:8: God’s Great Gift of Love

Today’s devotion reminded me of that truth. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

This verse touches my heart every time. It reminds me that even when I fall short even when I fail like that ruined batch of dough God still loves me. He doesn’t give up on me. He gives me grace. Not because I’ve earned it, but because He is full of mercy.

I recognize that I am a sinner who needs a Savior. There are still many shortcomings in me, mistakes I make, and things I struggle with. But every day, I can come to God, not in fear, but with confidence, knowing that His grace is always available.

Baking and Belonging

Every time David and I bake, I see how God is teaching both of us something deeper. Just like we don’t throw away a failed batch without trying again, God doesn’t discard us when we mess up. He gives us a chance to rise again. His love is patient. His grace is renewing.

Sometimes when David messes up the measurements or forgets an ingredient, he feels discouraged. But I always remind him that we can start over. That it’s okay to get things wrong sometimes. And each time I say that, I hear God gently reminding me of the same thing.

God’s love meets us in our mess. He doesn’t wait until we get everything right. In fact, Romans 5:8 tells us that while we were still in sin, Christ came for us. Not when we had it all together. But right there in the middle of our brokenness.

A Savior Who Steps Into Our Story

The Apostle Paul, who wrote the Book of Romans, wasn’t always a follower of Jesus. In fact, he actively persecuted Christians. He was harsh, proud, and misguided. But that didn’t stop God. Jesus met Paul on the road, in the middle of his mistakes, and offered him new life.

And just like Paul, we all start off distant from God. We all have our own ways of running from Him. But the good news is God runs toward us.

He sent Jesus. Not because we were good enough. But because His love was big enough.

The Kitchen Table and the Cross

When I sit at our kitchen table with David, I think of how the cross made a way for us to sit at God’s table. We didn’t deserve it. We didn’t earn it. But through Jesus, we are invited.

David’s small brownie business has been a joy to support. It’s teaching him hard work, generosity, and how to honor God even in small things. He gives a portion of what he earns to support our church and the students who live in the dorm. He’s learning that baking is not just about making sweets it’s about serving others.

Isn’t that what faith is too?

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up with what you have and trusting that God will use it.

Grace in the Messy Places

There’s something holy about ordinary things when we let God into them. Whether it's in the flour on our countertops, the missed ingredients, or the quiet conversations as we clean up, God is present.

Grace shows up in these places. In the spills, in the burnt edges, in the second chances. Just like in our lives.

We don’t need to pretend to be perfect. We don’t need to hide the broken batches. We just need to bring it to the One who makes all things new.

Sharing the Sweetness of His Love

I often wonder if people realize how much God loves them. Not in a distant, religious way, but in a real, personal, close way.

Maybe you’re reading this today and you feel far from God. Maybe life feels like a failed recipe. Maybe you think it’s too late to fix things.

Can I tell you something honest?

It’s not too late.

God is not finished with you. His grace is fresh every morning. He is not standing far away with folded arms. He is near. And He’s inviting you to start again.

You don’t need to bring a perfect life. Just a sincere heart.

The Heart of the Gospel

The heart of the gospel is this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

That’s how much God loves you.

He didn’t wait for you to clean yourself up. He came right into the middle of the mess. That’s the kind of love that changes everything.

Paul experienced that kind of love. And so have I.

Through the quiet seasons, the difficult months, and the messy kitchen moments, I’ve seen the faithfulness of God. I’ve seen how He restores what’s broken. I’ve felt His love in the places where I least deserved it.

Reconnecting to God’s Grace

Sometimes we just need to be reminded.

Reminded that His love is not based on our performance.
Reminded that His grace covers our failures.
Reminded that His mercy is still available.

So if you’ve drifted, come back.

If you feel tired, rest in Him.

If you’ve made mistakes, remember He already knows and He still chooses you.

Let’s Keep Encouraging One Another

I write this not as someone who has figured it all out, but as someone who is learning to trust every day. Who still cries when I feel like I’ve failed. Who still whispers prayers late at night when things feel uncertain.

But I also write this as someone who has seen God come through again and again.

He is faithful.

He is kind.

And He is not done with any of us.

Whether you're a mom baking with your child, a student trying to find your way, or someone who hasn’t talked to God in a long time this message is for you.

Jesus loves you.

Come back to His grace.

Let His love fill the empty places.

Let His mercy rise again in you like fresh bread in the oven.

A Simple Prayer

Lord,
Thank You for loving me even when I make mistakes. Thank You for showing me mercy and giving me second chances.
Help me to remember that I don’t need to be perfect to come to You. I just need to come.
Thank You for Your great love that meets me right where I am.
Help me to love others the same way You love me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you’ve been touched by this reflection or have your own story of God’s grace, I’d love to hear it.

Let’s continue to walk together in faith. Let’s keep baking, loving, giving, forgiving, and trusting one day at a time. 

Happily Baking, 

Tess 💪😅😋