Restored by Grace

✨ Devotional: From Caterpillar to New Creation

September 2nd, 2025

Scripture

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

— Romans 12:2

Reflection

Butterflies remind us of one of the most powerful truths in Scripture—transformation. A caterpillar doesn’t stay crawling on the ground forever; it enters a season of hidden growth and emerges as something new, radiant, and free.

In the same way, God calls us not to be conformed to the world’s ways but to be renewed and transformed by His Spirit. When we allow Him to shape our thoughts, heal our wounds, and renew our minds, we begin to live in His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

My butterfly earrings are more than jewelry—they’re a symbol of this truth. Every time you wear them, let them remind you that you are not who you used to be. You are being transformed daily, and your life is meant to soar in God’s purpose.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that You make all things new. I surrender my thoughts and desires to You. Transform me, renew my mind, and help me walk in Your perfect will. Just like a butterfly, let my life be a testimony of Your grace and beauty. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application

When you put on these butterfly earrings, pause and declare: “I am being transformed by God’s Spirit.” Journal about one area in your life where you need transformation. Pray over it daily. Share your testimony—someone else may be inspired by your story of renewal.

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Restored by Grace: Laying Our Burdens at the Feet of Jesus

August 31st, 2025

“The Lord id my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1

Psalm 23 is one of the most cherished passages in all scripture. It paints a picture of God as our shepherd – gentle yet strong, leading us beside still waters, restoring our souls, and guiding us on the right path. For those of us who carry heavy burdens – pain from the past, trials in the present, or fear of the future – this psalm reminds us that we were never meant to carry them alone.

The Shepherd Who Cares

Sheep cannot survive without a shepherd. When left on their own they wander, grow weary, and fall prey to dangers. In the same way, we often stumble under the weight of life’s struggles. Yet Psalm 23 reminds us that we have a shepherd who leads us. He sees our needs, knows our wounds, and provides for us with tender care.

Laying Our Burdens Down

Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28: “come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” When we try to carry pain, anger, or disappointment on our own, it wears us down. But when we bring those burdens to the feet of Jesus – through prayer, surrender, and trust – we exchange our weakness for His strength.

Just as David declared in Psalm 23, “He restores my soul.” Restoration is not found in striving, but in surrender. It’s not found in holding on, but in the letting go.

Walking in Peace

When we lay down what we cannot carry, we are free to walk in peace. Even when we find ourselves in the valley of the shadow of death, we need not fear – because our shepherd walks beside us. His rod and staff comfort us. His presence steadies us.

In a world that constantly demands more from us, Jesus offers us still waters and green pastures. He reminds us that we are safe in His care.

A Closing Prayer

Lord, you are my shepherd. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to carry my burdens on my own. Today, I lay them down at your feet. Restore my soul, guide me in Your peace, and remind me that I lack nothing when I am with You. Amen.
🌿 Why Does God Allow Evil, Pain, and Death?

August 26th, 2025

Scripture Reading: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

1. The Hard Question We All Ask

At some point, every believer asks: If God is good, why does He allow evil, pain, and death? It’s a question that goes straight to the heart of suffering.

The Bible doesn’t ignore this struggle. Instead, it gives us both honest answers and deep hope.

2. Where It All Began

When God created the world, it was perfect. There was no death, no pain, no brokenness. But love cannot be forced—it must be chosen. Out of love, God gave humans free will. When Adam and Eve chose rebellion, sin entered the world (Genesis 3).

Sin didn’t just stain human hearts—it corrupted creation itself (Romans 8:20–22). This is why we face suffering, injustice, sickness, and death.

3. Why God Still Allows It

God could remove all evil immediately—but to do so, He would also have to remove our freedom to love Him. Instead, He patiently allows time for redemption and repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Here are three truths to hold onto:

God Brings Good Out of Evil: Joseph said to his brothers who betrayed him, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Even the darkest moments can be redeemed. Suffering Shapes Us: Pain teaches us endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3–5). Through trials, our faith is refined like gold (1 Peter 1:6–7). Evil Will Be Defeated: At the cross, the worst evil—the crucifixion of the innocent Son of God—became the source of salvation. This shows us that God will one day fully defeat evil, pain, and death forever (Revelation 21:4).

4. Hope for Today

The good news is that evil and pain are not the end of the story. Because of Jesus:

We are never alone in suffering (Psalm 23:4). God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:54–57).

One day, He will wipe away every tear and make all things new.

5. Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we confess that we don’t always understand why You allow pain and suffering. Yet we trust that You are good, and that You work all things for our good and Your glory. Help us cling to You in trials, grow in faith through difficulties, and look with hope to the day when You will wipe away every tear. Thank You for sending Jesus to conquer sin, death, and evil once and for all. In His name, Amen.

✨ Reflection Question: How has God used a painful season in your life to bring about growth, healing, or a deeper trust in Him?
Finding Healing Through God’s Grace

August 18th, 2025

Welcome to Restored by Grace, Broken too Beautiful! Hi, my name is Loretta, and I want to welcome you to my blog. My intentions are to share a safe place for the abused and brokenhearted to find healing and hope in God. If you’ve ever felt broken, unseen, or unworthy because of abuse, I want you to know – you’re not alone. This blog is a safe space where we discover together how God’s grace restores what was once shattered.

For a long time, I lived in silence with wounds no one else could see. Abuse left me feeling broken, unworthy, and unseen. I tried to cover it up with a smile, but deep down I felt like the pieces of my heart could never be put back together.

In those dark moments, shame told me I wasn’t enough. Fear told me I was trapped. And loneliness told me no one would ever understand.

But then – grace stepped in.

It wasn’t overnight. Healing didn’t come at once. But slowly through God’s love, I began to see that my brokenness didn’t define me. The same God who created me could restore me.

One verse that carried me was this:

Psalm 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Those words reminded me that my story wasn’t over. The pain wasn’t the end. God’s grace is rewriting my story.

Today I am healing. I’m still learning. But I no longer carry the weight of shame. I know I am loved, chosen, and restored by grace.

This blog is my way of reaching out to others who may feel the same way I once did. If you are hurting, if you are carrying wounds from abuse, I want you to know you are not alone. God’s love is powerful enough to restore what was broken in you too.

This is just the beginning of the journey we’ll walk together here. I invite you to join me as we discover the beauty of God’s healing, one step at a time.

Because in Christ restoration is possible.

closing prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for being near to the broken hearted and for binding up our wounds. Lord, you see this pain that abuse has caused, and you hold every tear we’ve cried. I ask that you bring comfort, peace, and healing to everyone reading these words. Remind them that they are not alone, and that your grace is greater than their pain. Restore their hearts, renew their hope, and remind them that in you, nothing is beyond repair. May your love wrap around them like a shield, and may your light guide their steps into freedom and wholeness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

✨ Devotional: From Caterpillar to New Creation

Restored by Grace: Laying Our Burdens at the Feet of Jesus

🌿 Why Does God Allow Evil, Pain, and Death?

Finding Healing Through God’s Grace