One Step Forward — Redeemed by Grace

Devotional for Women Healing from the Past

We all carry chapters we wish we could rewrite — choices we regret, relationships that wounded, or seasons that left scars deeper than we ever expected. For many women, especially after years of giving, nurturing, and surviving, the past can feel like a shadow that still lingers.

You might wonder, “Can God really redeem this part of my story?”

The truth is — yes, He can. And not only can He, He wants to.

God specializes in rewriting what was broken. The Bible is filled with women who thought their stories were over: Rahab, a woman with a past, became part of the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). Ruth, a widow from a foreign land, found hope and purpose again. Even the woman at the well (John 4) — ashamed, alone, and labeled — found her voice again when Jesus met her right where she was. The same God who restored them is ready to restore you.

But redemption doesn’t always begin with a grand gesture. Often, it starts with one simple step

— a step toward God’s truth instead of your shame.

That one step might be forgiving yourself for what you can’t change. It might be choosing to believe that God still calls you His daughter. It might be opening your Bible again after years of silence, or whispering your first honest prayer in months: “Lord, heal me. Use me. I’m ready.”

Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” That’s not a metaphor — that’s a promise. God doesn’t waste pain. He repurposes it. Every wound surrendered becomes a testimony. Every regret turned over becomes a reminder of His mercy.

Your past does not disqualify you. It positions you. Because the same hands that formed you are the same hands that are ready to restore you — piece by piece, decision by decision, step by step.

So today, take one step forward. Not because you have it all figured out.Not because you feel worthy.But because you believe that God is who He says He is

— Redeemer, Restorer, and Lover of your soul.

And as you take that step, you’ll find that grace has already taken ten steps toward you.

Reflection Prayer:*Father, thank You for seeing me through my past and still

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