By Sr. Mary Grace, S.V.
In Australia, we are known for both our friendly and deadly creatures.
Growing up in such an environment instilled in me an instinct to protect and a deep-seated responsibility to rescue. My training in ocean rescue involved keeping shark nets clean, gauging underwater currents, and managing jellyfish stings. I loved taking care of people and being someone others could rely on. Whether it was soccer, surfing, rugby, or running, I strove to excel, not as an A-grade student, but as someone undefeated in winning the annual academic effort award. I believed that with enough effort, I could control my life and earn God’s approval.
I viewed God as a coach who expected a perfect performance. This mentality made me feel responsible for my own salvation, a common mindset in a world that disdains dependence and despises imperfection.
Outwardly, my life appeared stable, but inwardly, I was resisting the saving love I needed most.
This facade of self-reliance continued until the death of someone close to me shattered my world. I felt lost, unable to speak or navigate life as I once did. Everything seemed colorless, and I feared there was nothing good left in my future. My conventional ways of coping failed me. I was afraid to start crying because I thought I might never stop, and I feared that grieving deeply could overwhelm me.
But the truth is, God is not a punisher.
Scripture teaches that death was never part of His original plan. God created life with the intent that it should persist eternally. Sin does not thwart God’s plan; He remains undeterred by the messes we find ourselves in. In the Gospels, we read about men who went to great lengths, opening a roof to lower their paralyzed friend to Jesus:
When Jesus said, “Son, your sins are forgiven,” He addressed a deeper paralysis than the physical, challenging our worldly beliefs that certain achievements or changes can fix everything.
The greatest threat to our well-being isn’t what we lack but the sins that bind us. Sin causes paralysis, leading to death. Yet, we are not merely projects to God; we are His children. He sees beyond our sins and setbacks. He sees a son, a daughter, and never fails to provide. Jesus offers the ultimate remedy—forgiveness of sins—and for every sin and setback, He has already planned a rescue.
We all experience the imprisonment that sin has sentenced us to, but turning to God guarantees one thing: you will be met with love in your struggles. It’s easy to fall prey to lies that tell us things will never change, that there’s something inherently wrong with us, or that we are simply bad.
However, we can let our distress and desires be doorways to Jesus.
God never asked us to save ourselves; He sent His Son for that purpose. Consider ocean rescue. A lifeguard straps a rope around his body, swims out, wraps the tube around you, and brings you back to shore. Jesus is not a bystander in your life. Storms don’t delay His help; He binds Himself to you and carries you through.
When I experienced profound loss, it was hard to believe that Jesus even heard me. That’s when I began to cry out for the first time.
Sometimes, God grants an instant rescue—miraculous healings, immediate freedom—but more often, it’s a journey back while the storm rages on. Our need for the Savior is our secret strength.
One day, I felt like I had truly hit rock bottom. I couldn’t continue striving alone; I felt truly lost. It was beyond simply needing a rescue. That day lies bombarded me, and I had no strength left to defend myself. Deep down, I knew I needed a divine remedy.
So, I cried out in a spontaneous prayer: “I want God. I need God.” Just when I thought I had nothing good left to show, amidst my darkness and confusion, the Savior came to me.
I didn’t hear booming words or receive a grand vision, but in my heart, I heard, “I am your salvation. I am your deliverer.” At that moment, God’s light broke into my life like never before. I realized that we were never alone, and we never would be.
The bravest thing we can do isn’t to extricate ourselves from the messes we find ourselves in but to have the courage to call out for help.
I haven’t stopped calling out since. My life has been transformed. God has designed a rescue to redeem us from every darkness, and it’s Jesus’s job to carry it out. The only hindrance to this rescue is our resistance. We all have a history of sin, but the record of your goodness extends far back. All Jesus asks is that we open ourselves to Him and get accustomed to letting Him save us.
When Jesus rose from the dead, He didn’t change His title from Savior because we never graduate from being saved. Holiness happens when we continuously hand ourselves over to His help. Saints are simply sinners who let themselves be saved by Jesus.
When we call out, miracles can happen.
These aren’t just extraordinary events; they’re the daily bread of believers. God works through us, even in the messiest of places. He brings light to the darkest corners of our lives, offering hope and renewal. Just as Jesus chose a messy manger and a cold tomb to reveal His resurrection, He rises in our dead places, transforming them into testimonies of His love.
So, let’s ask ourselves:
What are the dead ends in our lives?
Where do we struggle with despair or feel like we’re not enough?
These are the places where Jesus wants to meet us. The journey isn’t about achieving perfection but about surrendering to the One who can truly save us.
Further Learning
Watch the full-length story from Sr. Mary Grace, S.V., and listen to her keynote talk from SEEK24:
For more from Sr. Mary Grace, S.V., find her tips for transforming your prayer life on our podcast, along with talks from other incredible speakers.
Learn more about Sr. Mary Grace’s background and story here.
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