My junior year in college, my roommate’s name was Grace.  From a spiritual perspective, it made sense. Grace and Joy should dwell in the same space.

Our delightful names and smiling faces convinced everyone our room was a happy place. But, the atmosphere in our dorm room was dismal.

Much about my faith in Christ was new; including being in a small group bible study and learning how to share my faith. However, my roommate would have none of that.

Grace made fun of me when I read my bible. She attempted to douse the fire of my faith at any sign of a flame. Her constant mocking made me feel like grace was far away.

But Jesus would have none of that.  He used my misery to teach me what true grace meant.

Whether I’m smiling or not, His grace comes free without performance.

Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. – Romans 3:24

When friends are many or few, His grace surrounds me.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. – 2 Corinthians 13:14

When circumstances are painful or I feel unworthy, grace sustains my every step.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9

If it feels like God’s presence is distant from where you are, nothing could be further from the truth. I pray Grace is learning that too.

All Scripture references are in the New Living Translation (NLT)

This post is part of my "Lessons I've Learned About Life (so far)" series for the #write31days challenge. To find out more start here.