The God of Grace - Encouragement for Today - September 4, 2026
September 04, 2026
The God of Grace
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:28-29, NIV).
I have cancer. I was diagnosed in August of 2021. Five years later, those words still stick in the back of my throat, hard to say, hard to reconcile.
After my diagnosis, caring, well-meaning people would often quote Romans 8:28 to me: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
I understand the sentiment, and I absolutely believe this truth. But when you’re suffering, this kind of promise feels hollow. A far-off reality reserved for those on the glorious other side of a hard story. But in the middle of it? The grace of God feels like chasing the wind, hard to grasp and hold on to.
Never have I doubted God’s kindness, love, or ability to heal me. But there’s a special kind of pain that haunts those of us waiting for answered prayer. He can heal me, and as of yet, He has chosen not to.
You may know that kind of ache too. Maybe you’re waiting on a wayward child to return home. You may be facing month after month of crushing financial strain. Perhaps your marriage is hanging by a thread, and you’re desperate for God to work a miracle.
Where do we find grace for the days when we’re waiting to see the goodness of God show up for us? Baked into that question is some faulty theology. I realized, poring over Romans 8, that I’d actually missed Paul’s point.
The theme of that chapter is suffering.
Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are not to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). Even as we groan, Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27).
Paul then says that all things work together for good for those called according to God’s purpose. But what is His purpose in us? Comfort? Ease? No. We are to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).
Look at the incredible way Paul ends the chapter in Romans 8:31-39. There is nothing that can defeat us. In Christ, we are more than conquerors. Nothing can separate us from the love that is in Christ Jesus.
In our suffering, He is with us. His goodness and grace aren’t merely what He does. It’s who He is. In our pain, we're not just getting the “doing” of grace; it’s His being. We get grace personified in the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. We are never alone. We have grace for whatever today holds.
God, You are good, kind, and faithful. But when life feels heavy, it’s hard to see Your grace in action. As we grieve, struggle, and doubt, remind us that Your goodness and grace are not primarily what You do. It’s who You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
In The Melody of Grace Bible study, Whitney Capps will examine passages throughout the Bible to explore the transformative power of grace. Come learn to receive grace fully, live it freely, and share it boldly, experiencing the sweet sound of grace as it flows through you.
For more theological teaching like this, Whitney has an online learning platform called Simple Seminary, where women can learn theology in a fun, self-paced, and friendly space. Learn more about how to join this thriving community with hundreds of women and nearly 100 hours of training.
ENGAGE
Whitney Capps is the author of Sick of Me, We Over Me, and The Melody of Grace. A mom of four boys, living near Atlanta, Whitney was diagnosed with Stage 4 small bowel cancer in 2021 and continues to share her faith journey through it.
Enter to WIN your very own copy of The Melody of Grace by Whitney Capps. To celebrate this book, Whitney’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Tuesday, September 8, 2026.}
FOR DEEPER STUDY
2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me” (NIV).
Whitney reminds us that grace isn't only what God does; it's who He is. What is one way you've sensed His presence with you in a hard season? Share with us in the comments!
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