The tumors may not have changed or grown as much as the scan results suggested. The thought is that the masses were aggressively measured from a different angle. Because of that, I am back in the same place as before. The main tumor that seems concerning is the one on my remaining kidney. Actually, my oncologist was very encouraging about the next 6 months to a year.

I am grateful.

Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for reaching out, sending messages, and reminding me that I am not walking through this alone. Your kindness has meant more than I can easily say.

My real prayer request now is that I will be able to get Addison’s disease under control. Please keep praying about that.

I am still dealing with Stage 4 Kidney cancer. Therefore, I know how much weight a medical report can carry. A few words on a page can bring fear, relief, confusion, or hope.

Still, the report is not the deepest truth about my life.

The deepest truth is this: I was never an accident. Neither were you.

For the complete article that anchors this message, read the full Hub post here: “Proven: You Were Never an Accident, You Need To Know.”

A better report does not change the deeper truth

I am thankful for a better report. I do not want to minimize that gift.

At the same time, my identity cannot rise and fall with every scan. The report matters, but it does not get to tell me who I am. It cannot decide whether God is good. It cannot determine whether I am loved.

That was decided long before this medical journey began.

I was made on purpose by a Father who wanted me. You were made on purpose by that same loving Father.

That is the language of intention, not accident.

David understood this deeply. He knew that God’s work in a person begins long before that person can accomplish anything.

Before you had a name, a résumé, a ministry, a family, or a record of success, God knew you. Before anyone praised you or criticized you, He was already forming you.

So, let this truth settle in your heart: you were never an accident, and you are not an afterthought.

You were never an accident, and love came first

Many of us learn to think about love backward.

We assume we must become good enough to be loved. We think we need to improve, perform, serve, or prove ourselves before we can feel secure with God.

However, Scripture gives us a different order.

His love starts it. Our love is a response.

That truth has helped me through many seasons. I spent years trying to serve God faithfully, but deep inside, I often measured my value by my consistency. I thought I had to keep doing more so I would not lose His approval.

Yet God’s love was never a payment for good behavior.

Christ did not wait for us to clean ourselves up. He came while we were still sinners. He did not give Himself because we had finally become worthy. His grace revealed our worth to Him.

God’s love is not a prize at the end of performance. It is the place where transformation begins.

That is why I often say:

You do not change so God will love you. God’s love changes you.

God does not forget you in the hard season

Medical uncertainty can make a person feel small. It can make the future seem narrow. It can cause you to wonder whether God sees what is happening.

He does.

When people fail us, God remains faithful. When our bodies grow weak, His love does not become weak. When our emotions change from day to day, His character remains steady.

The Lord does not abandon His children when human support fails. Instead, He takes us up.

Isaiah used the tender picture of a mother caring for her child.

Jesus gave His disciples this assurance before He went to the cross.

Therefore, if you are carrying a diagnosis, grief, depression, fear, or loneliness, do not confuse the feeling of being forgotten with the fact of being forgotten.

You may feel alone. You are not abandoned.

You may feel uncertain. You are still held.

You may not know what the next report will say. You can still trust the goodness of God.

God is love, even when life is painful

The Bible does not ask us to pretend that suffering is easy.

I am thankful for this better report, but I still have questions. I still have Addison’s disease to manage. I still have a kidney tumor that concerns me. Faith does not require me to deny those facts.

Instead, faith helps me see those facts in the presence of a good Father.

God does not merely show love from time to time. Love is who He is.

Zephaniah gives us a beautiful picture of God’s heart toward His people.

This is not the picture of a Father standing over us with disappointment. It is the picture of a Father who is present, mighty to save, and resting in His love.

That gives me courage.

Rest in what God settled before the report

God’s love for you did not begin when you made your first good decision. It did not begin when you prayed, served, succeeded, or became consistent.

His love came first.

Before creation, God’s love was already settled.

Jesus prayed that His followers would understand the depth of the Father’s love for them.

That is a great mystery, but it is also a great comfort. The Father loves His people with the same love He has for the Son.

So, whatever the next medical report says, it will not change this truth. I am loved. I am held. I am not an accident.

And neither are you.

If you are in a painful season, I hope you will also read “The Big Leap of Faith: Believing God Loves You Exactly as You Are.” It is a message about stepping out of performance and resting in the love God has already given.

Thank you for praying

Please continue to pray for me, especially that my Addison’s disease will come under control.

Please also pray for everyone reading this who is carrying a difficult report. Pray for those who are discouraged. Pray for those who feel forgotten. Pray for those whose bodies are tired and whose hearts are afraid.

Some people are smiling in public while fighting a deep battle in private. Therefore, a message, a phone call, or a simple act of kindness may mean more than you know.

If you are one of those hurting people, please remember:

You can listen to more grace-centered conversations on the Followed by Mercy podcast. You can also find encouragement on my YouTube channel or subscribe to Followed by Mercy on Medium.

And again, read the full Hub post here. Let its message speak to the places where fear, rejection, and old religious pressure have been louder than grace.

FAQ: Questions about the better report and God’s love

What does the better report mean?

After meeting with the radiologist and oncologists, I understand that the lung tumors may not have changed or grown as much as the earlier scan results indicated. The kidney tumor remains the main concern, and I am also asking people to pray that my Addison’s disease will come under control.

What should I pray for Austin Gardner?

Please pray for wisdom and strength for Austin, for the kidney tumor, and especially for his Addison’s disease to be controlled. Also pray for peace, endurance, and continued grace for Austin and Betty as they walk through this season.

What does it mean that I was never an accident?

It means your existence is not a mistake and your worth is not determined by human opinions, personal failures, or religious performance. God made you on purpose, loved you first, and revealed that love fully through Jesus Christ.

About Austin Gardner

Austin Gardner is an author, speaker, missionary, and mentor who writes about Grace, Mercy, and faith-based development. After decades of pastoral and missionary service, along with surviving Stage 4 cancer and COVID, Austin shares what he is learning about the finished work of Jesus and the Father’s unconditional love.

A better report is worth celebrating. Still, the report is not my foundation.

I was never an accident. God is good. God is for me. Christ is enough.

And the same is true for you. You can rest in His love today.

Today, I am pointing you to two fresh articles.

One is for the heart of the home. The other is for missionaries and ministry leaders. They may seem like separate subjects, but they meet in one place:

Love moves first, and healthy work multiplies.

The first article, The Love That Doesn’t Wait: When Love Moves Before It’s Asked, speaks directly to husbands and the daily calling to love their wives.

The second, The Mistakes That Kept Our Work From Multiplying, is an honest look at lessons I learned over decades of missionary and ministry work.

Both articles lead us away from performance and toward grace. We do not love in order to earn love. We love because God loved us first. We do not multiply ministry to prove our worth. We multiply what God has entrusted to us because the work belongs to Him.

Love First in Marriage

Every husband knows that love can be spoken about as if it were merely a feeling. However, Scripture gives us something sturdier than a passing emotion.

It gives us an assignment.

That command does not apply only on the easy days. It reaches into the mornings when you are tired, the evenings when work has drained you, and the moments when affection does not come naturally.

Love is a verb before it is a feeling.

So don't wait for the perfect mood to act with love. Speak kindly. Listen carefully. Show honor. Move toward your wife before she has to ask you to close the distance.

That does not mean pretending that problems do not exist. It also does not mean ignoring harm or refusing wise boundaries. Instead, it means refusing to let bitterness become the language of your marriage.

Christ Shows Us How to Love First

The pattern for a husband’s love is not his wife’s behavior. The pattern is Christ.

Jesus moved toward us before we had cleaned ourselves up. He did not wait for us to become worthy of His attention. His love came first.

Consequently, a husband does not have to sit with crossed arms and wait for his wife to change before he takes the first step. He can respond from the love he has already received from Christ.

That kind of love is not manufactured through pressure. It flows from identity.

You are already loved by the Father. You are already accepted in Christ. As a result, you can love your wife without using her response as a measurement of your own worth.

This gives us a practical picture of love.

Be patient. Be kind. Refuse comparison. Do not use public embarrassment as a weapon. Do not insist on your own way simply because you can. Also, do not keep a mental record of every past failure to bring up during the next disagreement.

Let yesterday’s wound remain in yesterday. Bring today’s conversation to today.

Honor Your Wife as a Fellow Heir

Peter brings strength and tenderness together in one passage.

A wife is to be handled with care and honor. At the same time, she stands beside her husband as a fellow heir of grace.

Both truths matter.

Therefore, listen to her wisdom. Consider her needs. Let her perspective influence decisions that affect you both. Do not reduce honor to polite words while ignoring her heart.

Marriage grows stronger when a husband remembers that his wife is not an assistant beneath him. She is a partner beside him, loved by the same Father and welcomed by the same grace.

The full encouragement is in the article on waustingardner.com. Read it slowly. Then bring one small act of love into your home today.

Multiply Ministry Without Carrying It Alone

The second article comes from a different part of my life.

After decades in ministry, including years of missionary work in Mexico and Peru, I have made mistakes while trying to build something for God. Some mistakes cost time. Others affected relationships. Yet each one taught me something important about leadership, trust, and multiplication.

I share them to shame no one. I would rather you learn from my scars than earn every lesson through your own pain.

Seven Mistakes That Can Keep Work From Multiplying

First, I began building a church I could be proud of instead of continuing to reach places where Christ had not been named.

There is nothing wrong with faithfully pastoring a church. However, a missionary must remember the assignment God has given him. Comfort can quietly replace calling.

Second, I built things that could not be copied. Outside money, imported materials, and complicated systems made the work look strong, but they also created dependency.

If local leaders cannot carry the work forward, then the structure needs to be examined.

Third, I did the work instead of raising up someone else to do it. It often seemed faster to preach, organize, and decide everything myself. Nevertheless, that approach leaves people watching instead of growing.

Fourth, I withheld trust. Even after training national leaders, I sometimes kept one hand on the wheel. I second-guessed men who needed room to lead.

Paul and Barnabas ordained elders and then commended them to the Lord. They didn't tie every decision to outside approval.

Fifth, I worked without a clear plan. At times, I followed the loudest need of the week and called it spiritual direction. Meanwhile, I was drifting.

Faith does not remove the need for thoughtful planning.

Sixth, I sometimes handed the baton to the wrong runner. When a church needed new leadership, reaching for another outsider felt safe. Yet that could suggest local leaders were never truly ready.

Finally, I gave the grasshopper report. Hard years can make a man see only obstacles. Still, fear is not humility.

A defeatist attitude can sound modest while quietly denying what God can do.

Grace Was Present in the Mistakes

The most important lesson is not that I made mistakes. It is that mercy was present as I made them.

God did not abandon me during seasons when I was learning slowly. His mercy followed me. It corrected me. It waited for me to see what He already knew.

That same grace is available to you.

If you are a missionary, examine what you are building. Can someone else carry it? Can local leaders reproduce it? Are you training people to depend on you, or are you helping them depend more fully on the Lord?

If you are a pastor or ministry leader, release the work in healthy ways. Give responsibility to faithful people. Let them learn. Correct when necessary, but don't keep control simply because it feels safer.

God never meant for you to carry the work alone or keep it for yourself. He meant for you to hand it off, multiply it, and give it away.

Read the complete ministry article here: The Mistakes That Kept Our Work From Multiplying.

Love First, Then Multiply

These two articles belong together.

A husband who learns to love first is learning to live from security rather than fear. A missionary who learns to release the work is learning to lead from trust rather than control.

In both cases, grace comes before growth.

That is also the heart of The Big Leap of Faith: Believing God Loves You Exactly as You Are. God’s love changes us. We do not change in order to be loved.

You can also listen to the Followed by Mercy podcast, watch my videos on YouTube at @waustingardner, and subscribe to my writing on Medium.

As you read, ask yourself two simple questions:

• Where am I waiting for someone else to move first?

• What has God placed in my hands that I need to release so it can multiply?

Do not answer those questions with shame. Answer them with honesty and trust.

FAQ

What does it mean to love first in marriage?

To love first means choosing patient, kind, honoring action without waiting for your spouse to change first. It does not ignore serious problems; instead, it responds to marriage difficulties from the security of Christ’s love rather than bitterness or retaliation.

How can missionaries help ministry work multiply?

Train faithful local leaders, build systems they can reproduce, share responsibility, and trust people as they grow. In addition, create a clear plan and resist making the ministry dependent on one person or outside resources.

Does making mistakes mean God is disappointed with me?

No. Mistakes can bring real consequences, but they do not cancel God’s love for you. His mercy can meet you in the mistake, teach you through it, and lead you into wiser and more fruitful service.

About Austin Gardner

Austin Gardner is an author, speaker, missionary, and mentor who writes about Grace, Mercy, and faith-based development. After decades of ministry and missionary work in Mexico and Peru, he now encourages families, missionaries, and leaders to move from performance and fear into the rest of God’s finished work in Christ.

You do not have to wait until you feel loving before you take the next faithful step. You do not have to carry the entire work before you can call it successful.

God is good. God is for you. Christ is enough. His mercy is already with you, and you can rest as you learn to love first and multiply what He has placed in your hands.

Today’s study of what heaven actually is like holds special significance for me. My brother-in-law, Bobby Orfield, just died.

That changes the way I approach this subject.

This is not merely a theological exercise. It is not an abstract question for a quiet afternoon. Today, the question has a face, a name, and a recent goodbye.

Bobby was here with us. Now he is fully with the Lord.

So I am writing this through the lens of someone who has just watched a loved one step into the promise we are about to consider. Grief is present. However, so is hope. The goodbye is real, but it is not the end of the story.

What Is Heaven Actually Like According to the Bible?

Most of us grew up with a picture of heaven that owes more to greeting cards than to Scripture.

We imagine clouds, harps, and disembodied souls floating somewhere far away. I understand why that picture developed. Still, the Bible gives us something much greater.

The biblical vision is not thin or empty. It is not an endless waiting room. Instead, it is life with God in a renewed creation.

The story does not end with God abandoning the earth. It ends with God dwelling with His people.

That verse is at the heart of the whole promise.

Heaven is not primarily about a beautiful location. It is about the unhindered presence of God. Everything beautiful about heaven flows from finally being fully with Him.

I explore this truth in greater detail in my full article, What Is Heaven Actually Like?. Today, I want to share what that study means to me as I think about Bobby and heaven.

Heaven Is Bigger Than Clouds and Harps

The Bible says,

That is not a picture of less life. It is a picture of restored life.

God’s plan is not to throw away everything He made. Rather, He renews creation. The New Jerusalem comes down from God. The curse is removed. The distance between God and His people is gone.

Think about that promise. The curse that brought pain, decay, frustration, and death will be gone. Yet God’s purpose for His people will remain.

There will be meaningful service without exhaustion. There will be responsibility without fear. There will be joy without the shadow of loss.

Bobby is not entering a fog. He is entering the presence of the One who loved him completely.

Heaven Is a Covenant, Not a Contract

One of the most important truths in the full study is the difference between a contract and a covenant.

A contract says, “This is now yours.”

A covenant says, “I am now yours.”

That difference matters when we think about heaven. God is not simply handing us a future possession and then leaving us to enjoy it alone. He is giving us Himself.

The promise of heaven is the promise of relationship made complete.

Jesus prayed that His people would know the Father's love.

The Father’s love for His children is not a smaller version of His love for Jesus. In Christ, we are welcomed into that love.

Therefore, heaven is what it looks like when nothing hinders that love anymore. No sin. No fear. No shame. No separation. No final goodbye.

That mercy has followed Bobby all the way home.

Heaven Includes a Resurrection Body

The Christian hope is not to become a ghost.

God created us as embodied people, and the resurrection will restore us in a body that is no longer subject to decay. Paul describes this body as incorruptible and immortal.

Jesus’ own resurrection gives us a picture of what this means. He was not a shadow or an idea. He could be touched. He could eat. He showed His wounds to Thomas.

Our future is not escape from everything physical. It is the redemption of what sin and death have damaged.

That gives me comfort today. Bobby’s earthly body may have grown weak, but weakness did not have the final word. Jesus does.

There Will Be No More Distance

Grief reminds us how painful distance can be.

We miss a voice. We miss a handshake. We miss the ordinary moments that once seemed small. A familiar chair becomes a reminder. A name spoken in conversation brings both love and tears.

Still, Scripture promises a day when sorrow and separation will not remain.

Notice who wipes away the tears.

God Himself does it.

This is not a distant announcement from heaven. It is the tender picture of a Father drawing near to His children. He does not minimize our pain. He comes close and removes its cause.

Then John writes something equally beautiful.

No building stands between God and us. No barrier remains to cross. His presence fills everything.

That is what heaven is actually like. It is complete nearness.

Heaven Is the Return of Eden, Made Complete

The Bible begins with God walking with humanity in a good creation. It ends with God dwelling with humanity in a perfected creation.

Genesis begins the story. Revelation completes it.

The tree of life appears again. The river of life flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The curse is gone. The nations walk in the light of God.

Nothing good is wasted. God restores what sin damaged and brings His purposes to completion.

That is why heaven is not empty time. It is fullness of joy.

Jesus also spoke of a table and a reunion.

Heaven includes joy, fellowship, service, worship, and reunion. It is life with God, without death interrupting it.

Bobby Is Fully With Him

I do not want to pretend that Bobby’s homegoing makes grief disappear.

It does not.

We still feel the loss. We still notice the empty place. We still wish we had more time.

However, grief and hope can stand together. Tears do not mean we lack faith. Missing someone does not cancel our confidence in Christ.

Today, I believe Bobby is fully with the Lord. He is not waiting for mercy to decide his future. He is not trying to earn a place. Jesus has already accomplished everything necessary.

That is the same grace and mercy Austin Gardner has tried to proclaim throughout his years of ministry and faith-based development: God’s love changes us; we do not change to be loved.

If you are grieving someone today, I hope you will read the full study, What Is Heaven Actually Like?. It walks through the renewed earth, the resurrection body, the New Jerusalem, the table, the river of life, and God's presence in greater detail.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heaven

What is heaven actually like?

The Bible presents heaven as life with God in a renewed creation. It includes the New Jerusalem, resurrection bodies, the removal of death and pain, meaningful service, fullness of joy, and unbroken fellowship with the Lord.

Will believers have physical bodies in heaven?

Yes. Scripture teaches the resurrection of the body. Believers will receive incorruptible and immortal bodies, following the pattern of Jesus’ bodily resurrection.

What comfort does heaven give when someone dies?

Heaven assures us that death does not have the final word for those who belong to Christ. God promises resurrection, reunion, the end of sorrow, and His own everlasting presence.

Read the Full Study

Today’s study is personal because Bobby Orfield just went to heaven. Yet the promise is personal for every believer.

Heaven is not merely a place we hope to see someday. Its center is a Person we already know through Jesus Christ.

Bobby is now fully with Him. One day, all who belong to Christ will know that same unhindered joy.

You can read the full article on waustingardner.com here.

You can also subscribe for free by email through Medium and receive the full articles each day. For more encouragement, listen to the Followed by Mercy podcast.

God is good. God is for you. Christ is enough. The love that holds you today will hold you forever.

Followed by Mercy,
Austin Gardner

About Austin Gardner

Austin Gardner is a speaker, author, missionary, and mentor whose ministry centers on Grace, Mercy, and Faith-based development. After decades of pastoral and missionary service, including ministry in the mountains and cities of Peru, Austin now helps believers and leaders move from striving and fear toward confidence in God’s unconditional love and the finished work of Jesus.

I want to begin with a quick personal health update. I haven't spoken to the doctors yet, but here is what I learned from my scan results.

My latest scans brought both encouraging news and a couple of concerns. The two tumors in my left lung that were treated with radiation are stable or slightly smaller. The small spot in my right lung remains stable, and there are no new lung tumors.

That is good news, and I am grateful.

However, two areas have grown. The tumor in my remaining kidney increased from about 2.4 cm to 2.9 cm. The tumor in my right groin increased from about 2.3 cm to 3.3 cm. Other areas being watched remain stable.

So the cancer is not progressing everywhere, but there are two places my doctors will need to address. We will keep listening carefully, consider the next steps, and trust God through the process.

I am especially thankful for what the radiation has accomplished. Still, I would be less than honest if I said the concerns did not weigh on me. They do.

Yet this is the truth I am resting in today:

Whatever a scan says, the Father’s love for me has not changed one bit.

Let the scan tell the truth without telling you who God is

A scan can tell us about the condition of a body. It cannot tell us the condition of God’s heart.

That distinction matters.

Numbers can change. Tumors can grow or shrink. Treatment plans can change. Appointments can be moved. Questions can multiply. Nevertheless, the character of God remains steady.

When I receive a report like this, I am not trying to pretend that everything is easy. Faith does not require pretending. Faith gives us a place to stand while we face what is real.

For me, that place is Jesus.

I have written more about this in my latest article, “Seeing Jesus Is Seeing God”. I hope you will read the full article because it goes deeper into the question beneath many of our fears:

What is God actually like?

That question matters most when life hurts.

Look at Jesus when you are afraid

In John 10, some religious men surrounded Jesus and demanded a plain answer.

Sometimes we want God to explain everything plainly. We want to know what will happen next. We want to know how the treatment will work, what the next scan will show, and how long the difficult season will last.

Underneath those questions is another one: Can I trust the heart of God?

Jesus answered the deeper question when He said:

Jesus was not merely a messenger from God. He was not presenting one version of God while the Father held another attitude toward us. When we look at Jesus, we see the Father’s heart.

There is no gap between the compassion of Jesus and the compassion of the Father.

There is no difference between the mercy of Jesus and the mercy of the Father.

Therefore, when fear tells me that God may be distant, disappointed, or tired of me, I return to Jesus. I watch how He treated people who were hurting. I watch how He welcomed the weak. I watch how He touched those others avoided.

Then I remember what God is like.

His works reveal His heart

Jesus did not ask people to believe without evidence. He pointed them toward the works they had seen.

Consider those works.

Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding. He healed a man who had been lame for thirty-eight years. He fed hungry people. He opened blind eyes. He touched the lives of people who had been pushed aside.

His power moved toward people in need.

He did not use power to shame them. He used it to heal.

That is what the Father is like.

When you are waiting for medical answers, you may not have every answer you want. Still, you can know the One who holds you while you wait. Seeing Jesus is seeing God, and Jesus shows us a good Father.

Seeing Jesus is seeing the Father

One of Jesus’ disciples asked Him to show them the Father.

Jesus answered:

That statement has carried me through many seasons.

I do not have to wonder whether the Father is patient. I look at Jesus with His disciples.

I do not have to wonder whether the Father is close to people who feel unworthy. I look at Jesus sitting with people others rejected.

I do not have to wonder whether the Father is kind toward those who are afraid. I look at Jesus meeting frightened people with compassion.

So, when I look at my health update, I do not see a message that God has withdrawn His love. I see a report that helps my doctors know what needs attention. Then I bring the fear, the questions, and the uncertainty to the Father Jesus revealed.

That Father has not changed.

Rest does not wait for perfect news

It's easy to say, “I will rest when the next scan is better.”

But that kind of rest always remains out of reach. Another appointment, another question, or another concern will always be waiting in the distance.

The rest Jesus gives does not depend on perfect circumstances.

I am learning to receive that truth again.

I can be grateful for the stable areas and still acknowledge the areas that have grown. I can appreciate the good news without minimizing the concerns. Likewise, I can face the concerns without allowing them to define my whole story.

That is true for me today, and it is true for you, too.

God’s love is not adjusted by a scan. His mercy does not rise and fall with a measurement. The finished work of Jesus has already settled my welcome with the Father.

As I continue this health journey, I want to live from that secure place, not trying to earn God’s love, but responding to the love He has already given.

That is grace.

That is mercy.

That is the heart of faith-based development: becoming more deeply rooted in who we are because of Christ, and allowing that security to shape how we live, lead, serve, and love.

Read the full article

My health update is only part of what I want to share with you. The deeper message is about how we see God when life becomes uncertain.

If you have ever wondered whether God is disappointed in you, distant from you, or waiting for you to become better before He will draw near, please read the full article:

Read the full article, “Seeing Jesus Is Seeing God,” on waustingardner.com.

I believe this truth can steady you:

When you see Jesus, you see the Father.

If you would like to receive full articles each day for free by email, subscribe through Followed by Mercy on Medium. You can also listen to the Followed by Mercy podcast for more conversations about grace, mercy, healing, and the Father’s unconditional love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Austin Gardner’s latest health update?

Austin Gardner’s latest scans showed encouraging news and a couple of concerns. The treated tumors in his left lung are stable or slightly smaller, the spot in his right lung remains stable, and no new lung tumors appeared. However, the tumor in his remaining kidney and the tumor in his right groin have grown, so his doctors will address those two areas.

What does seeing Jesus reveal about God?

Seeing Jesus reveals the Father’s heart. Jesus said, “he that hath seen me hath seen the Father,” so His compassion, mercy, patience, and welcome show us what God is truly like.

How can faith help during a health crisis?

Faith does not require you to deny pain or ignore medical facts. Instead, faith gives you a secure place to stand while you face them. Rest in the finished work of Jesus, receive the Father’s love, and take the next step with the help of your doctors and the Holy Spirit.

About Austin Gardner

Austin Gardner is an author, speaker, missionary, and mentor who writes about Grace, Mercy, and Faith-based development. After decades of ministry, missionary work in the mountains and cities of Peru, and personal battles with cancer and COVID, he continues to encourage people to move from fear and performance into the rest of God’s unconditional love.

I am grateful for every person who prays, writes, reads, and walks beside me.

The scan has brought both good news and concerns. However, it has not changed who God is.

The Father is good. The Father is for you. Christ is enough. You do not have to carry tomorrow today.

You can rest in His love.

There is a root nobody sees.

Most couples don't start arguing because of the dishes, the money, or a forgotten phone call. Those things may be the visible conflict. However, something deeper often waits beneath the surface.

A rejection was never fully grieved. A dream was crushed. Someone felt overlooked, dismissed, or chosen over. Then the hurt went underground. Over time, grief hardened into resentment, and resentment began to poison the marriage.

The good news is this: you can heal bitterness in marriage with grace. Not through pressure. Not through pretending. Not through trying harder to become a perfect husband or wife.

Grace reaches places that performance cannot touch.

Read the full Hub post here: How to Heal Bitterness in Your Marriage With Grace.

What Does Bitterness Reveal About a Marriage?

Scripture gives us a serious picture of bitterness.

The word picture is powerful. Bitterness is not merely irritation. It is like poison carried by a hidden root. It grows quietly, but eventually it affects everything above the ground.

That is why an old wound can shape a present marriage. You may be speaking to your spouse, but reacting to someone from your past. You may be answering a simple question, yet hearing the voice of an old rejection. You may be protecting yourself from a danger that is no longer in the room.

Meanwhile, your spouse may not understand what is happening. They only know that the person they love seems distant, suspicious, or easily offended.

Ask yourself honestly:

• Do I expect my spouse to hurt me?

• Do I keep a mental record of past failures?

• Do I feel resentment more quickly than sadness?

• Do I strike first because I am afraid of being wounded again?

If resentment rises before sadness, a root may be growing.

That does not mean you are a terrible person. It means a wound needs care.

Why Do Old Wounds Show Up in Marriage?

Home is often where hidden pain becomes visible.

We may appear patient in public because public relationships have boundaries. At home, however, we often let our defenses down. We live near the people we trust most. Therefore, the pain we carry may come out through sharp words, cold silence, suspicion, or sudden anger.

The bitterness may not have started with your spouse. Still, it may be released against your spouse.

After being hurt, many people build emotional walls. They decide they will never be caught off guard again. So they watch closely for any sign of rejection. Then, when they think rejection is coming, they strike first.

That pattern does not excuse hurtful behavior. Nevertheless, understanding the pattern can help you move toward healing. An untreated wound often acts like an untreated wound.

It needs attention. It needs truth. It needs the healing presence of the Holy Spirit.

Bitterness also changes the way you interpret ordinary moments. A tired response sounds like contempt. A delayed answer feels like abandonment. A difference of opinion feels like rejection.

The past controls the present.

What Grows the Root of Bitterness?

Bitterness usually grows from something real.

You may have been rejected. Perhaps someone received credit for work you carried. Maybe a person you loved chose another relationship, another opportunity, or another priority over you. Your dream may have been crushed, and no one gave you space to grieve it.

The pain matters.

Grace does not require you to call evil good. It doesn't ask you to pretend betrayal, neglect, or rejection never happened. God is good, and because He is good, He cares about what wounded you.

However, grief needs a safe place to go. When grief remains hidden, it can harden into a grudge. A grudge is patient. It can wait years for the right moment to speak.

It may appear in a marriage argument that began over something small. Suddenly, the conversation is no longer about today. It becomes a trial about ten years of stored evidence.

Do not ignore the root. Bring it into the light.

What does this reveal about the goodness of God?

It reveals that God does not despise the wounded heart. He does not shame you for needing healing. He comes near to bind what has been broken.

How Can Grace Heal Bitterness in Marriage?

Trying harder by itself cannot reach a hidden root.

You may promise to be nicer. You may decide never to raise your voice again. Those choices can be helpful, but willpower alone cannot heal the place where resentment began.

Grace can.

Grace takes you beneath the behavior and into the wound. It allows you to say, “This hurt me. I have carried it for a long time. I have allowed it to shape how I see my spouse. Lord, bring Your healing here.”

Paul shows us the order in Ephesians.

Notice the foundation. We forgive because God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven us.

You are not trying to earn God’s forgiveness by becoming forgiving enough. Instead, the forgiveness you give flows from the forgiveness you have already received.

That changes everything.

The cross is not a demand to perform forgiveness through gritted teeth. It invites you into the freedom Jesus has already accomplished. He carried rejection, injustice, humiliation, and pain. Yet He did not allow bitterness to become His master.

Jesus’ forgiveness does not minimize the wrong. It reveals the freedom of a heart resting in the Father’s goodness.

What Does Forgiveness Look Like in a Marriage?

Forgiveness begins with releasing your demand for personal revenge. It does not mean that trust is instantly restored or that serious problems should remain hidden.

Forgiveness and wisdom belong together.

If your marriage is marked by ongoing abuse, threats, or danger, seek wise pastoral and professional help. Establish appropriate boundaries. Safety matters. Grace never requires you to cooperate with harm.

In a safe but wounded marriage, however, forgiveness may begin with a simple and honest conversation:

• “This hurt me more than I admitted.”

• “I have been reacting to my past.”

• “I have used your failures as evidence against you.”

• “I want us to find healing, not keep score.”

• “Will you help me bring this into the light?”

Speak honestly, but speak tenderly. Take responsibility for your part without carrying responsibility for everything. Then allow your spouse time to respond.

Do not use forgiveness as a weapon. Do not say, “I forgave you,” in order to end every necessary conversation. Instead, let forgiveness open the door to truth, repair, and renewed trust.

How Do You Keep Bitterness From Returning?

Look diligently.

Hebrews does not tell us to examine our hearts once and then forget the matter. It calls us to pay attention. Therefore, notice what is happening inside you before the root produces more fruit.

When resentment rises, pause. Ask what it is protecting. Listen for the old story beneath the present argument. Then bring that story to Jesus.

Also, stop keeping score. Marriage is not a contest between two people trying to prove who has sacrificed more. It is a covenant relationship where two imperfect people learn to receive and extend grace.

Choose words that build rather than destroy. Apologize without adding a defense. Receive your spouse’s apology without keeping the offense available for future arguments. Make room for tenderness.

Forgiveness may need revisiting when an old memory returns. That doesn't mean your first decision was wrong. It means healing sometimes unfolds over time.

Keep returning to the finished work of Jesus.

Love Your Spouse From a Place of Grace

Marriage becomes beautiful when love is no longer treated as a reward for perfect behavior.

Your spouse is not your enemy. Your spouse is not your savior, either. You both need the mercy of God. Consequently, the healthiest marriages are not built by two flawless people. They are built by two people who keep bringing their weakness into the light of grace.

God’s love changes us. We do not change in order to be loved.

That truth matters in marriage. When you know you are secure in Christ, you no longer need your spouse to prove your worth every day. You can listen without defending every point. You can apologize without collapsing into shame. You can forgive without pretending the wound did not matter.

The Christian life was never meant to be powered by fear, pressure, or performance. It was meant to be lived from being loved first.

That is also the way to heal bitterness in marriage with grace.

If resentment has entered your home, do not surrender to hopelessness. Bring the hidden root into the presence of the Father revealed by Jesus. His mercy is not reluctant. His love is not fragile. His grace is not running out.

A Few Questions About Healing Bitterness in Marriage

Can bitterness really be healed after many years?

Yes. Deep wounds may require time, honest conversations, wise counsel, and repeated forgiveness. However, the age of the wound is not greater than the grace of God.

Does forgiving my spouse mean I must forget what happened?

No. Biblical forgiveness does not require denial or the removal of healthy wisdom. You can acknowledge what happened, establish needed boundaries, and still refuse to let resentment rule your heart.

What should I do if I cannot feel forgiveness yet?

Begin with honesty before God. Tell Him where you are, receive His complete forgiveness in Christ, and ask Him to lead you toward freedom. Feelings may follow the decision to release vengeance, but you do not have to manufacture a feeling before taking the next grace-filled step.

Where can I learn more about God’s unconditional love?

Read The Big Leap of Faith: Believing God Loves You Exactly as You Are. It will help you see how identity in Christ becomes the foundation for healing, obedience, and rest.

Grace Is Stronger Than the Root

Bitterness may have grown quietly, but it does not have the final word.

Jesus has already finished the work required for your forgiveness and freedom. Therefore, you do not have to dig alone. Bring the wound into the light. Receive the Father’s love. Speak truth with tenderness. Take the next faithful step.

Grace heals what performance never could.

I invite you to read the complete article on waustingardner.com and share it with someone who may be carrying an unseen root.

You can also listen to the Followed by Mercy podcast for more encouragement as you move from performance to rest. And if you would like to receive the full articles each day for free, subscribe through Medium.

I am Austin Gardner. After decades of ministry, I am still learning that God’s grace is deeper than my wounds and stronger than my striving. The same grace is available for your marriage today.

God is good. God is for you. Christ is enough. You can rest.

About Austin Gardner

Austin Gardner is an author, speaker, missionary, and mentor who writes about grace, mercy, marriage restoration, healing from pain, and faith-based development. Through his personal experiences and years of ministry, he encourages readers to live from the security of God’s unconditional love and the finished work of Jesus.

I want to begin with a personal update.

I am going in for MRI scans, CAT scans, and bloodwork. I expect to have the results in two or three days. These tests will help the doctors see how the cancer is progressing.

Would you pray for me, Betty, and the doctors caring for me? We are trusting God one day at a time. We do not know everything the next few days will bring, but we know the Father is good, Jesus is enough, and we are not walking through this alone.

That truth matters in every season. It matters when we are facing medical uncertainty. It also matters when we are trying to love our families, lead churches, train younger leaders, and release people into God’s care.

Over the past few days, I have written four articles that may seem to cover different subjects. Two focus on marriage. Two focus on ministry leadership. However, they all carry the same central message:

Christlike love takes responsibility without control, serves instead of demanding, and equips people rather than carrying them forever.

What does love that leads look like in a Christian marriage?

Marriage is not a contest to determine who matters more. God gives husbands and wives different assignments, but He gives neither greater worth.

In How Husbands and Wives Love Differently, I write about two different assignments joined by one shared love. A husband is called to provide and protect. A wife is called to nurture and build. These responsibilities are not a ladder with one person standing above the other.

Instead, they are two ways love serves a home.

Peter calls husbands and wives heirs together of the grace of life. That means a wife does not earn her value through quietness, and a husband does not earn his value through authority. Both stand in need of grace. Both receive grace. Both belong to Christ.

Therefore, biblical husband leadership must begin with identity, not pressure. A husband does not lead so that God will love him. He leads because he is already loved and is learning to let that love flow through him.

A wife does not build a home to prove her worth. She serves from the worth God has already given her.

Different assignments do not require different value.

Read the full article here: How Husbands and Wives Love Differently.

What does biblical husband leadership look like?

The word “leadership” can make people nervous. In some homes, people have used it to justify control. In others, it has been reduced to making decisions while avoiding sacrifice.

Jesus gives us a better picture.

Jesus did not point His disciples toward a throne. He pointed them toward a towel and a basin.

In What Does Biblical Leadership Look Like for a Husband?, I explain that a husband is not his wife’s savior. Jesus is. That is good news because no husband can carry the weight of saving, fixing, or perfecting another person.

A husband can pray. He can listen. He can take initiative. He can accept responsibility when a decision must be made. He can protect his home from neglect, dishonesty, and unnecessary harm. Nevertheless, he must not confuse responsibility with control.

Notice the direction of Christ’s leadership. He gives Himself.

He does not say, “Make yourself comfortable.” He does not say, “Demand your rights.” He says, in effect, “Lay your life down in love.”

That kind of leadership does not make a wife smaller. It makes room for her wisdom, strength, gifts, and voice. A good husband does not need his wife to become less so he can feel like more.

Read the full article on biblical husband leadership.

Why should ministry leaders train people instead of carrying everything?

The same principle applies in ministry.

During our years of missionary work in Peru, especially in the mountain and city-based work God gave Betty and me, I learned that a missionary cannot build a lasting work by remaining the center of everything. If the work depends on one person forever, the work has not yet become strong.

In Train Them. Don’t Carry Them, I write about the missionary’s real assignment: equip others to carry the work after the missionary is gone.

God gives gifted leaders to equip the saints for ministry. That means the goal is not to perform every task personally. The goal is to help the whole body grow into its calling.

A missionary must teach more than public preaching. He must help people learn how to study Scripture, counsel others, handle conflict, lead meetings, disciple new believers, and serve with faithfulness.

That process takes patience. It also requires humility. You have to let someone else try, struggle, improve, and sometimes make a mistake without immediately taking the work back.

Train them. Do not carry them.

The goal is not to remain indispensable. The goal is to leave people prepared to follow Christ and serve others faithfully.

Who should pastors, missionaries, and mentors train?

Training everyone does not mean giving everyone the same assignment. In Who Do You Train?, I explore the importance of looking for faithful people who can teach others.

Paul gives Timothy a pattern:

1. Receive truth.

2. Commit it to faithful people.

3. Help them become able to teach others.

4. Trust the truth to continue through them.

Faithfulness comes before visible talent. Watch how people serve when nobody applauds. Notice whether they are teachable, present, dependable, and willing to share responsibility.

Certainly, giftedness matters. However, giftedness without faithfulness can weaken a ministry. A faithful person who is willing to grow may become a far greater blessing than a talented person who refuses correction or commitment.

Pray for the people God is preparing. Then open your eyes. Some of the leaders you need may already be in the room.

We plant. We water. We teach. We encourage. Yet God gives the increase.

That truth frees us from both pride and fear. We do not have to control the outcome. We simply need to be faithful with the people and opportunities God places before us.

How can we practice Christlike leadership today?

Whether you are a husband, wife, pastor, missionary, or mentor, begin with these simple commitments:

• Serve before you speak about authority.

• Take responsibility without taking control.

• Listen to the people you lead.

• Teach others what you have learned.

• Give people room to grow.

• Release what God has entrusted to you without abandoning your care.

• Trust God to give the increase.

In marriage, ask, “How can I make it easier for my spouse to flourish in Christ?”

In ministry, ask, “Who am I preparing to serve faithfully when I am no longer present?”

In mentoring, ask, “Is this person becoming dependent on me, or increasingly equipped to help others?”

These questions are not meant to create another performance test. They are invitations to love from rest.

If you are learning to rest in God’s love, read The Big Leap of Faith: Believing God Loves You Exactly as You Are. That message is the foundation beneath every healthy marriage, every faithful ministry, and every grace-filled leadership decision.

Read the four articles and continue with me

Start with the primary hub article:

• How Husbands and Wives Love Differently

• What Does Biblical Leadership Look Like for a Husband?

Then explore these supporting leadership articles from Alignment Ministries:

• Train Them. Don’t Carry Them

• Who Do You Train?

You can also subscribe to Followed by Mercy on Medium for more reflections on grace, leadership, suffering, and the Father’s unconditional love.

What is biblical husband leadership?

Biblical husband leadership is sacrificial service shaped by Christ's love. It means taking responsibility, listening with humility, protecting the marriage, and serving your wife without controlling her.

How should ministry leaders train others?

Ministry leaders should teach faithfully, model the work, give others meaningful responsibility, and help them become able to teach others. The goal is multiplication, not permanent dependence on one leader.

Why is releasing people part of Christian leadership?

Releasing people recognizes that Christ is the true Head of the church and that God gives the increase. Continue to love and encourage people, but trust God enough to let them grow, serve, and carry responsibility.

I am grateful for every person who reads, prays, shares these articles, and walks with me through this season. Please pray for my upcoming scans, for Betty, and for the doctors.

Whatever the results bring, God will still be good. He will still be for us. Christ will still be enough. Therefore, we can rest: not because we know every detail, but because we know the One who holds us.

Loved people become loving people.

Published August 15, 2026

Today, August 15, 2026, Arequipa celebrates its 486th anniversary.

Happy anniversary, Arequipa.

I love you. I miss you. I wish I could walk your streets today, look toward the mountains, hear the music, greet old friends, and celebrate with the people who became family to Betty and me.

Arequipa is called La Ciudad Blanca: the White City because of its beautiful buildings made from pale volcanic sillar stone. However, to me, Arequipa has never been only a beautiful place. It is a city filled with faces, voices, memories, churches, children, pastors, students, meals, songs, and years of God’s faithfulness.

I have written a longer love letter to Arequipa on my website. Read the full hub article about my missionary years in Arequipa, Peru.

This special edition is simply my birthday greeting to a city I will always carry in my heart.

We arrived thinking about what we could give

Betty and I arrived in Peru in January 1988.

We came as Americans who believed God had called us to serve. We thought about what we had to give: our time, strength, training, experience, and message.

Looking back now, I realize how much more we received than we ever gave.

Arequipa gave us friendships we could not have earned. It gave us memories we could never replace. It gave our children a home and helped shape the people they became.

Most of all, God gave us the privilege of serving alongside Peruvian believers who loved Christ and wanted to reach their own people.

That verse describes much of what I saw in Peru. One generation taught another. Young believers became pastors. Students became teachers. Children grew into leaders.

The work was never about making people dependent on an American missionary. It was about preaching Christ, training national leaders, planting churches, and trusting God to continue the work through Peruvian men and women.

I still see Chachani

Three volcanoes stand over Arequipa: El Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.

El Misti is the famous one. Its near-perfect shape appears on postcards and travel brochures. Yet Chachani was always my favorite.

Chachani is broad, massive, and often covered with snow. I had the windows of our office placed so I could look up from my desk and see it.

Many mornings, I drove through the quiet streets in my white Nissan triple-cab pickup. The air was thin and cold. The city was just beginning to wake. Meanwhile, Chachani stood in the early light, reminding me that God was bigger than my schedule, my problems, and my limitations.

I would look at that mountain and think, How wonderful. How beautiful. How did I get to live here?

Then there were the nights that were anything but quiet.

I remember packing 38 Peruvian young people into that same truck. They were crowded together, and the tires looked almost flat beneath the weight. Nevertheless, they sang at the top of their lungs as we drove through Arequipa.

I can still hear them.

Those young people were not an interruption to the ministry. They were the ministry. Their joy, faith, and willingness to serve were among the gifts Arequipa gave me.

The White City was built to stand again

Arequipa’s white sillar stone gives the city a special beauty. The old walls, arched doorways, and carved buildings shine in the sunlight.

Yet that stone also tells another story.

Earthquakes have shaken Arequipa many times. Parts of the city have fallen, but the people gathered the stone and built again. They repaired what was broken. They stood together. They made something beautiful from what had been damaged.

That picture has stayed with me.

The same God who gives grace to a city gives grace to people. Many of the strongest people I have known were not untouched by suffering. Instead, they learned how to stand because God met them in the shaking.

I planted a little. Others watered. God gave the increase.

That is true of ministry, and it is true of life. We may feel responsible for holding everything together. But the finished work of Christ reminds us that God sustains what He begins.

You do not have to carry what only God can carry.

Hunter, Faith, and the people I love

When I think of Arequipa, I do not picture the Plaza de Armas first.

I picture Hunter Baptist Church.

I picture Faith Baptist Church.

I picture the Peru Bible College. I see young men and women opening their Bibles, learning, growing, and discovering that God could use their lives.

Betty carried more of that ministry than many people ever knew. She left her home, her language, and a father who was sick with cancer to build a life in a country that was not yet familiar.

Our children grew up in Peru. They learned the language and culture from the inside. They saw both the cost and the joy of giving your life to something larger than yourself.

Today, our son David and his wife Katie continue serving in Peru. Through Macedonia Baptist College and Omega Baptist Church, they are helping train leaders and reach families in the same region beneath those same volcanoes.

We left Arequipa, but our family never truly left.

Going back in 2025

I returned to Arequipa in October 2025, a yearly custom.

By then, I was living with Stage 4 kidney cancer. The altitude affected my breathing severely. My oxygen numbers dropped into the 60s and 70s. I slept connected to a machine, and on some Sundays I preached with a tube in my nose.

Still, I preached.

I spoke six times at a pastors’ conference. I participated in three question-and-answer sessions. Then, on one Sunday, I preached three times without oxygen.

I do not say that to make myself sound strong. I say it because God was kind to me.

More than a hundred pastors and Bible college students gathered in that room. Many of them had grown up in the ministry. Some had been children Betty and I knew decades earlier.

Now they were pastors and leaders.

Around 25 men and women stood during that trip to thank Betty and me. Each one had been touched by the ministry in some way. I looked at their faces and saw God's faithfulness across generations.

I told someone afterward, “I’ve never felt more loved and appreciated in my life.”

I meant it.

Happy anniversary, Arequipa

We went to Peru as missionaries to a foreign country. In time, the word “foreign” stopped fitting.

Arequipa became family.

To my friends in Arequipa, I want you to know that Betty and I love you. We miss you. We remember your kindness, your meals, your homes, your churches, your songs, and your laughter.

We remember the children who grew up around us. We remember the young people crowded into that white truck. We remember the early mornings beneath Chachani. We remember the pastors and students who gave themselves to the work of Christ.

Today, I hope your anniversary is full of joy.

Celebrate your beautiful city. Enjoy the music, the food, the flags, and the fellowship. Remember the long story God has written in that valley.

Arequipa, you have been shaken, but you have stood.

You have been tested, but you have remained beautiful.

You have given us more than we could ever express.

Happy 486th anniversary, Arequipa.

May God bless your families, your churches, your pastors, your leaders, and the generations still to come.

And one day, in a city that no earthquake can shake and no altitude can steal our breath, we will be together again.

Rest in the grace that follows you

The story of Arequipa also reminds me that God’s work does not depend on one person’s strength.

I am grateful for every mile I walked, every sermon I preached, and every leader I had the privilege to encourage. Nevertheless, Christ is the One who has carried us all.

That is true for you today, too.

If you would like to understand more about the grace that has changed my own life and ministry, read The Big Leap of Faith: Believing God Loves You Exactly as You Are.

You can also subscribe through Medium to receive the full articles by email each day for free. And if you would like to listen, visit the Followed by Mercy podcast.

God is good. God is for you. Christ is enough. Therefore, you can rest in the love that has already found you.

FAQ: Austin Gardner and Arequipa, Peru

How long did Austin Gardner serve as a missionary in Peru?

Austin Gardner and Betty served for many years in Arequipa, Peru, beginning in 1988. Their ministry included church planting, pastoral work, leadership development, and training national leaders through the Peru Bible College.

Why is Arequipa called the White City?

Arequipa is known as La Ciudad Blanca, or the White City, because many historic buildings were constructed from white volcanic sillar stone. The city’s beauty, mountain setting, and strong regional identity have made it one of Peru’s most beloved cities.

Why does Austin Gardner still love Arequipa?

Arequipa became more than a place of ministry for Austin and Betty. It became home, and the people became family. Their children grew up there, churches and leaders were established there, and many lifelong relationships were formed in that city beneath the volcanoes.

What is the main message of Austin Gardner’s ministry today?

Austin Gardner now emphasizes grace, mercy, and faith-based development rooted in Jesus' finished work. His message is simple: God’s love changes us; we do not change to be loved.

About the Author

Austin Gardner is an author, speaker, missionary mentor, and ministry leader. He served for many years in Peru, where he helped plant churches and train national leaders. Today, he writes and speaks about grace, mercy, faith-based development, leadership, healing, and God's unconditional love.

I just had a wonderful time with the people at the First Nations Clinic in Kingston, Tennessee. I am deeply grateful for their kindness, knowledge, and care.

This coming week, I will be getting scans and bloodwork at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. After that, I will talk with my doctors about the results and next steps. I would be grateful if you would pray for me, Betty, and our family during this time.

I am not sharing this as medical advice. I am simply inviting you into a personal part of my journey. Your prayers and encouragement mean more than you know.

Today, I also want to invite you into a conversation that matters to many families: What does the Bible really say about men and women?

Culture has changed the conversation. Words such as authority, submission, equality, and leadership can now carry many different meanings. However, before we listen to the loudest voices around us, we should return to the first pages of Scripture.

I recently published the full article, Before Culture Changed the Conversation: What God Really Said About Men and Women. It takes a closer look at Genesis, marriage, biblical order, and the mutual belonging God intended from the beginning.

Here is a preview.

What did God say about Adam and Eve at the beginning?

Genesis does not begin with a man receiving a private mission while a woman stands on the sidelines. God created both male and female in His image. Then He blessed them both and gave them a calling.

Genesis 1:27–28 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

Notice where the blessing lands: on both of them.

Notice where the command lands: on both of them.

Before marriage, there was a shared mission. Adam and Eve were not rivals competing for importance. They were image-bearers receiving purpose from the same God.

That does not erase every distinction between men and women. It does establish something foundational: neither one is less valuable, less loved, or less significant before God.

God’s love gives identity before it gives instruction.

What does this reveal about the goodness of God? It reveals a Father who does not create people to compare them. He freely gives dignity, purpose, and blessing.

Was Eve created as Adam’s assistant?

Genesis 2 gives us a closer look at the creation of Eve. Adam was alone, and God declared that his condition was not good.

Genesis 2:18 “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

The phrase “help meet” has sometimes been reduced to an assistant. Yet that picture is far too small. The word translated “help” is connected to strength and rescue. Scripture even uses the same Hebrew word to describe God as His people’s help.

Psalm 121:2 “My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”

No one reads that verse and concludes that God is inferior. He is strong, present, and faithful.

Therefore, Eve was never hired help. She was not created to be overlooked. She was created as a fitting strength and companion for Adam.

When Adam saw her, his words were not cold or managerial. They were words of recognition and wonder.

Genesis 2:23 “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”

“Bone of my bones” is the language of deep belonging. It is the language of someone who recognizes that the other person is not disposable, secondary, or beneath him.

A healthy marriage begins when a husband and wife stop asking who matters more and start remembering that God designed them to walk together.

What does biblical headship really mean?

The Bible does speak about order in marriage. We do not need to remove a difficult verse in order to defend grace. Instead, we need to read the verse in the light of the whole passage and the finished work of Jesus.

Ephesians 5:23 “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”

That verse is clear. Yet Paul does not let the husband define headship by control, pride, or personal advantage. He explains it through Christ’s sacrifice.

Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”

Christ’s leadership looked like a cross. It looked like self-giving love. It looked like protection, patience, humility, and service.

Consequently, biblical headship is not a throne. It is a cross.

A husband who uses headship to demand his way has missed the heart of the command. He has taken a word about laying down his life and turned it into permission to preserve his comfort.

That is not Jesus’ leadership.

Ask yourself a better question. Do not begin with, “How can I make my wife follow me?” Begin with, “How can I love her in a way that makes the heart of Jesus more visible?”

Loved people become loving people.

When a husband rests in the Father’s unconditional love, he no longer needs to control his home to prove his importance. He can lead from security, not fear.

Does submission mean living under fear?

The word “submission” can create pain for people who have experienced control or abuse. Therefore, we must handle Scripture with care and refuse to use it as a tool for harm.

Paul begins his teaching about the household with mutual submission.

Ephesians 5:21 “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

This instruction comes before the specific instructions to husbands and wives. The whole household is meant to live under Christ’s humble, self-giving love.

A wife’s submission to her husband is not permission for a husband to replace Jesus in her life. Her ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ.

Colossians 3:18 “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.”

The words “in the Lord” matter. They establish a boundary. No husband has the right to demand sin, abuse, deception, or harm. Biblical order never gives one person permission to violate another person’s dignity.

At the same time, Ephesians 5 does not leave husbands with a smaller responsibility. They are called to love, nourish, cherish, and give themselves away.

The Christian life was never meant to be powered by fear, pressure, or performance. It was meant to be lived from being loved first.

That truth changes marriage. It also changes the way we read every command in Scripture.

What does the Bible say about mutual belonging?

The New Testament continues to guard against superiority. Paul speaks about order, but he also insists that men and women need one another in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:11–12 “Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.”

Paul will not let us turn order into independence or importance into superiority. Both man and woman come from God. Both need God. Both need one another.

Marriage also includes mutual belonging in the most personal areas of life.

1 Corinthians 7:4 “The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.”

The verse moves in both directions. Marriage is not about one person owning the other. It is about two people giving themselves to one another in love, faithfulness, and care.

Peter makes the same point when he calls husbands and wives “heirs together.”

1 Peter 3:7 “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

They are heirs together of grace.

That means the husband is not spiritually superior to his wife. He does not stand closer to God because he is a man. Instead, God calls him to honor the woman beside him. Peter even links a husband’s prayer life to how he treats his wife.

God cares about what happens inside our homes.

What should men and women remember today?

The full article explores three words: mission, order, and mutual belonging.

There is a shared mission. God blessed Adam and Eve together.

There is order. Scripture gives husbands and wives meaningful responsibilities.

There is mutual belonging. Neither man nor woman was meant to stand alone, and neither was created to dominate the other.

The goal is not for one side to win. The goal is for two people to live under Christ’s love.

If this subject has brought confusion, pain, or fear into your life, remember this: God is not disappointed in you. He is not measuring your worth by your consistency.

Return to the goodness of the Father revealed in Jesus. Return to the finished work of Christ. Return to the truth that your identity comes before your behavior.

You do not change in order to be loved. God’s love changes you.

For a fuller look at Genesis, marriage, headship, submission, and mutual belonging, read the complete hub article here.

You may also want to read The Big Leap of Faith: Believing God Loves You Exactly as You Are. That message is central to everything I am learning and sharing: God’s love is not a reward for improved performance. It is the secure place from which renewal begins.

You can also subscribe through Medium to receive full articles by email.

FAQ: Men and Women in the Bible

Does the Bible teach that men and women have equal value?

Yes. Genesis teaches that both men and women are created in God’s image and receive His blessing. Scripture also calls husbands and wives “heirs together of the grace of life,” showing their shared dignity before God.

What does headship mean for a Christian husband?

Headship means Christlike self-sacrifice, not control. A husband is called to love his wife as Christ loved the church, giving himself for her good and treating her with honor.

Does biblical submission permit abuse or control?

No. Submission is “as it is fit in the Lord,” and the whole household is called to mutual humility. Abuse, coercion, and harm do not reflect the character of Jesus or the goodness of God.

About Austin Gardner

Austin Gardner is an author, international speaker, and mentor who writes about grace, mercy, faith-based development, marriage, healing, and ministry leadership. Through his books and teaching, he helps people move from fear and performance toward rest in the finished work of Jesus.

I am grateful for your prayers as I travel through this coming week of scans, bloodwork, and conversations with my doctors. Whatever the reports bring, God remains good. The Father is for us. Christ is enough. Mercy doesn’t trail behind you with conditions. It is running toward you with intention.

You can rest in that love today.

Before we talk about what the Bible says about men and women, I want to begin with something personal.

Thank you for praying for me.

So many of you have reached out, encouraged Betty and me, and carried us before the Lord. We do not take those prayers lightly. They have strengthened us more than I can explain.

Today, Betty and I will travel to Kingston, Tennessee, for my monthly treatments at the First Nations Clinic. We have been so thankful for the kind and knowledgeable people there. They have treated us with compassion, patience, and great care.

As I continue facing Stage 4 kidney cancer, I sometimes think the help I am receiving there may be one of the reasons I am beating the odds. I cannot explain every part of this journey. However, I am deeply grateful for the care God has provided through the people at First Nations Clinic.

Next week, I will go for more blood work, MRI scans, and CT scans so we can see how things are progressing. Betty and I are trusting God one day at a time.

I share this as my personal experience, not as medical advice. Please always speak with qualified medical professionals about your own health.

What the Bible says about men and women begins with identity

The conversation about men and women often becomes tangled in arguments about roles, authority, culture, and expectations.

Yet Scripture begins somewhere deeper.

It begins with identity.

Before the Bible tells a man what to do or a woman how to serve, it tells us who they are. Both are made by God. Both bear His image. Both possess dignity that does not depend on achievement, personality, position, or public approval.

That verse is simple, but it is also powerful.

Men and women are both created in the image of God. Therefore, neither is a lesser reflection of the Creator. A woman is not an incomplete version of a man. A man is not more valuable because he is a man.

Different never means less.

That truth matters in the home, the church, the workplace, and every other place where people live and serve together.

Men and women are equal in worth before God

God’s design includes distinction. However, distinction is not the same as inequality.

A man and a woman may have different bodies, experiences, gifts, and responsibilities. Still, their worth comes from the same Creator. Their value rests in the same grace. Their access to God comes through the same Savior.

Paul was not saying that every earthly distinction disappears. Instead, he was declaring that no distinction gives one person greater standing before God.

In Christ, men and women are equally received. They are equally loved. They are equally heirs of grace.

Consequently, your gender does not make you more or less welcome in the presence of God. Your identity is not built on a competition between men and women. It is found in Christ.

“Helper” does not mean inferior

One of the words that has often been misunderstood is the word “helper.”

When God created Eve, He said:

The word “helper” does not describe someone who is unimportant. In fact, the Old Testament often uses similar language to describe God as the One who helps His people.

A helper is not a servant to be dismissed. A helper is someone who brings strength, support, wisdom, and partnership.

Adam was not complete in his assignment without Eve. God did not create woman as an afterthought or an assistant standing at a distance. He created her as a fitting companion who would share in the work and purpose God had given humanity.

Therefore, the biblical picture is not competition. It is cooperation.

Men and women are designed to serve God together, honor one another, and contribute their gifts for the good of others.

Biblical headship is a cross, not a throne

The word “headship” can make some people uncomfortable. I understand why.

Some men have used spiritual language to justify control, anger, or selfishness. That is not the heart of Jesus. It is a counterfeit version of biblical leadership.

Paul gives husbands a clear command:

That is not a throne. That is a cross.

Christlike leadership does not ask, “How can I get my way?” It asks, “How can I give myself for the good of the person God has entrusted to me?”

A husband who follows Jesus does not use authority to demand comfort while his wife carries the burden. He learns to listen. He protects without controlling. He serves without keeping score. He leads by love.

Likewise, a wife is not called to disappear, lose her voice, or accept mistreatment. Biblical marriage never gives permission for abuse. Where there is danger, seek safety and wise help.

Love that looks like Jesus never needs intimidation to prove its strength.

Respect and love must grow together

Scripture places love and respect beside one another.

A healthy marriage is not built by one person demanding respect while refusing to give love. Instead, love and respect nourish one another.

A husband should not ask his wife to respect a version of leadership that does not resemble Christ. A wife should not treat her husband with contempt and expect closeness to flourish.

Still, the answer is not shame. The answer is renewal.

When people know they are loved by God, they no longer have to fight constantly to prove their worth. They can apologize. They can listen. They can change. They can make room for one another.

That is true in marriage, and it is true in every relationship.

God is not disappointed in the way He made you

Many people have learned to feel ashamed of who they are.

Some men believe they must become harder, louder, or more controlling to be valuable. Some women believe they must become smaller, quieter, or less gifted to be accepted.

Neither message comes from the Father revealed by Jesus.

God made you with intention. He knows your strengths, weaknesses, history, and personality. He is not asking you to become someone else before He can love you.

You are God’s workmanship before you accomplish the work.

Identity comes before assignment. Belonging comes before behavior. Love comes before obedience.

That is why grace sets us free. We do not change in order to become loved. God’s love changes us because we are already loved.

Let grace reshape the conversation

The discussion about men and women will remain confusing if we begin with fear.

However, when we begin with the goodness of God, the pieces start to settle.

God is not trying to diminish men or women. He is not disappointed in His creation. Jesus perfectly reveals the Father, and Jesus never used power to crush the weak. He used His strength to serve, restore, heal, and bring people home.

So ask a better question.

Not merely, “Who is in charge?”

Ask, “What does love require here?”

Ask, “What does this reveal about the goodness of God?”

Ask, “How can I use my influence to add value and help another person flourish?”

Those questions move us away from performance and toward relationship. They help us live from the finished work of Jesus rather than trying to earn acceptance.

Read the full article on men and women

I recently published the full hub article, What God Actually Says About Men and Women.

That article takes a closer look at equality, identity, purpose, headship, sacrificial love, and the way Scripture holds these truths together. Please read the full article here and share it with someone who needs a grace-filled biblical perspective.

If you are still learning to believe that God loves you exactly as you are, I also invite you to read The Big Leap of Faith: Believing God Loves You Exactly as You Are.

You can also listen to more encouragement through the Followed by Mercy podcast. And if you would like to receive the full articles each day by email, subscribe through Medium’s Followed by Mercy publication.

A few questions readers ask

Does the Bible teach that men and women have equal value?

Yes. Genesis 1:27 teaches that both men and women bear God’s image fully. Galatians 3:28 also teaches that men and women have equal standing and inheritance in Christ.

Does biblical headship give a husband permission to control his wife?

No. Ephesians 5:25 defines a husband’s calling through the sacrificial love of Jesus. Biblical leadership serves, protects, listens, and seeks the good of another; it never excuses abuse, intimidation, or coercion.

What should I do if I feel ashamed of who God made me to be?

Bring that shame into the light of God’s grace. Psalm 139:14 reminds you that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and Ephesians 2:10 reminds you that you are God’s workmanship. Begin with identity, not pressure.

About Austin Gardner

Austin Gardner is an author, missionary, speaker, and mentor who writes about grace, mercy, faith-based development, marriage restoration, healing, and ministry leadership. His pastoral work and personal journey through Stage 4 kidney cancer and COVID have deepened his desire to help people rest in God’s unconditional love and the finished work of Jesus.

Betty and Austin have been married since August 18, 1973. Together, they continue to encourage families, ministry leaders, and believers who are learning to live from being loved.

Whether you are a man or a woman, married or single, strong today or carrying a heavy burden, remember this:

God is good. God is for you. Christ is enough.

You do not have to earn your place in His heart. You do not have to perform your way into acceptance. You are held by grace, and the Father is not disappointed in the way He made you.

Rest there today.

There are questions we can discuss calmly in a Bible study. Then there are questions that rise from a hospital room, a graveside, or an empty chair at the dinner table.

Where is the person I love?

When someone dies in Christ, we long for a sure word. We do not need empty phrases. We need the comfort of Scripture and the steady goodness of God.

That is why I wrote the full article, The Comfort of Being Present with the Lord. In it, I walk through what the Bible says about the believer’s life after death.

The short answer is this: when a believer leaves the body, that believer is present with the Lord.

The body awaits resurrection. The redeemed soul is with Jesus.

That truth does not remove every tear. However, it gives our tears a place to rest.

What Does It Mean to Be Present with the Lord?

Paul spoke with remarkable confidence about death. He did not treat it as a leap into an unknown darkness. He connected leaving the body with being at home with Christ.

Paul’s words are simple and direct. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

Some sincere Christians understand certain passages to teach what is often called “soul sleep.” They believe the dead remain unconscious until the resurrection. I respect their desire to take every verse seriously. Nevertheless, when I consider the full witness of Scripture, I am persuaded that believers enter the conscious presence of Christ when they die.

This is not a doctrine built on speculation. It rests on the promises of Jesus and the testimony of His Word.

The believer’s next conscious moment after death is with Christ.

That is a precious hope.

Paul Desired to Be with Christ

Paul knew the value of remaining on earth. His life still served the churches. His ministry still encouraged believers. His obedience still carried fruit.

Even so, he knew that being with Jesus was better.

Notice the connection. Paul did not describe death as merely ceasing to exist. He described it as departing and being with Christ.

Of course, the resurrection remains part of our Christian hope. The final promise is not an everlasting existence as disembodied spirits. Jesus will raise the bodies of His people. He will make all things new. Death will not have the final word.

Still, before that resurrection day, the believer is safe with Jesus.

The body rests in the grave. The soul rests in the presence of the Lord. Then, at the resurrection, God will reunite body and soul in glory.

Jesus Promised Paradise That Very Day

The promise Jesus made to the dying thief has comforted believers for centuries.

The thief had no time to repair his reputation. He had no opportunity to perform religious duties or prove his worth. He simply turned to Jesus in faith.

And Jesus answered him with mercy.

Jesus did not tell him, “After a long period of unconsciousness, you will eventually be with Me.”

He said, “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

The thief’s salvation rested in Christ, not in his record. His welcome rested in grace, not in his accomplishments.

That same grace comforts us today. Our loved ones do not enter Christ’s presence because they lived flawless lives. They enter because Jesus is enough.

That truth applies at the end of life just as it applies throughout life. We rest in Christ because He finished the work.

What Does Revelation Show Us About the Redeemed?

The book of Revelation gives us another beautiful picture. John saw a great multitude before the throne of God and before the Lamb.

They were not pictured as forgotten. They were not pictured as abandoned. They were worshipping in the presence of God.

This scene reminds us that the redeemed are known, welcomed, and secure before the Father.

They stand before the throne because salvation belongs to God. Their confidence does not come from their performance. It comes from the Lamb.

What does this reveal about the goodness of God?

It reveals a Father who does not lose His children. It reveals a Savior who receives those who trust Him. It reveals mercy that carries us beyond death into the presence of love.

How Should Christians Grieve?

The Bible does not ask us to pretend that death does not hurt.

When someone we love dies, we miss their voice. We miss their touch. We miss the ordinary moments that once seemed so small. Grief is not a failure of faith. It is evidence that love mattered.

Paul did not say that Christians would not sorrow. He said we would not sorrow as those who have no hope.

Christian hope does not deny grief. Instead, hope gives grief a foundation.

We can say, “I miss them terribly,” and also say, “They are with Jesus.”

We can weep at the graveside and still trust the Father’s heart.

We can feel the weight of separation while holding firmly to the promise of resurrection.

We miss them, but we know where they are.

That is not a small comfort. It is a holy one.

Heaven Is Not the End of the Story

Being present with the Lord is real and wonderful. Yet Scripture also teaches that heaven is not the final destination of the entire story.

God promises resurrection. He promises a new heaven and a new earth. He promises to dwell with His people in a renewed creation where death, sorrow, crying, and pain are gone.

The believer who dies is immediately with Christ. Then, at the resurrection, that believer will receive a glorified body and live forever in the restored creation of God.

Therefore, Christian hope is not merely “going away to heaven.” It is the promise that Jesus will make everything right.

He will redeem the body.

He will renew creation.

He will wipe away every tear.

He will bring us home.

Let God’s Love Hold You Today

Perhaps this subject is personal for you. Maybe you are grieving someone who died recently. Maybe an old loss has become tender again. Or perhaps you are thinking about your own mortality.

Whatever brought you here, remember this: God is not less good because you are hurting.

The Father’s heart is not distant from your grief. Jesus is not impatient with your tears. The Holy Spirit comes alongside you with comfort and strength.

If death has stirred questions about whether God truly loves you, I invite you to read The Big Leap of Faith: Believing God Loves You Exactly as You Are. The same grace that welcomes a believer into the presence of Christ is the grace that holds you right now.

For the full biblical discussion, read The Comfort of Being Present with the Lord, my website's main article.

You can also subscribe through Medium to receive the full articles by email each day for free. We will keep walking together through Scripture, suffering, mercy, and hope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to a Christian immediately after death?

The Bible gives us confidence that the believer is immediately present with the Lord. The body awaits the future resurrection, while the soul is safe in the conscious presence of Jesus.

Is being present with the Lord the final Christian hope?

It is a precious part of Christian hope, but Scripture points beyond it to the resurrection of the body and the renewal of creation. God will bring His people into a new heaven and a new earth where He dwells with them forever.

How can I grieve with hope?

Grieve honestly, and hold tightly to Christ’s promises. You may miss your loved one deeply while also trusting that, if they died in Christ, they are safe with Him and will one day share in the resurrection.

A Final Word of Comfort

Friend, you are not walking through grief alone.

Christ is near. The Father is good. Mercy is not trailing behind you with conditions. It is running toward you with intention.

When a loved one dies in Christ, death does not place them outside the care of God. They are present with the Lord, held by the One who loved them first.

And when your own heart feels weak, you can rest in that same finished work.

God is for you. Christ is enough. Love has the final word.

: Austin Gardner

Austin Gardner is an author, speaker, and mentor whose pastoral and missionary service has taken him across cultures and through seasons of profound suffering and renewal. Through his writing, he helps believers move from fear and performance into the rest of God’s grace.

#FollowedByMercy #ChristianHope

I am writing to you today with an openness that comes straight from a weary heart. For several days now, I simply haven’t felt right. As some of you may know, I manage Addison’s disease, and my health has been quite difficult to navigate lately. When your body fights against you and exhaustion settles deep into your bones, it has a way of stripping away all the noise and forcing you to look at what truly anchors your soul.

If you know me and have walked alongside me in prayer through the years, through cancer, recovery, and the daily journey of ministry, I want to ask you for a special favor today. Please pray that my body stabilizes, that my strength returns, and that I can get this Addison’s disease under control so I can continue serving the Lord and pouring into leaders. Your prayers mean more to me than words can express.

Yet, even in weakness and physical discomfort, the Lord meets us in remarkable places. This week, as I’ve meditated on the Scriptures, my mind has been resting deeply on a portion of God’s Word that often gets overlooked: the shortest letter in the New Testament. You can read the full, in-depth hub reflection over at Austin Gardner on the Father’s Covenant Love in 3 John. Today, I want to share a piece of that reflection with you right here on Substack.

An Unlikely Refuge in 3 John

The book of 3 John never once uses the word “Father.” It is a short, personal note written by the aging apostle John to his dear friend Gaius. On the surface, it deals with practical matters: hospitality, traveling ministers, and a difficult man named Diotrephes who loved preeminence.

When you are feeling weak, weary, or knocked off balance by health struggles, a letter about church hospitality might not seem like the first place you would look for comfort. But 3 John doesn’t give us a dry theological lecture; it shows us what the Father’s covenant love looks like when lived out in real relationships. It reminds us that God’s grace is not tied to our physical performance, our productivity, or our strength.

1. Before Anything Else, You Are Beloved

John opens his letter with a striking emphasis:

Notice how John addresses his friend. Before mentioning a single task Gaius accomplished, before listing any ministry milestone or achievement, John names his identity: beloved.

When our bodies fail us, or our plans are interrupted, our minds often start whispering false accusations. We feel like we are falling behind, becoming a burden, or losing our usefulness. But the Father’s heart toward you does not fluctuate with your health chart. His love for you was settled before the foundation of the world. You are beloved, not because you earned it, but because you belong to Him. Learning to rest in this unconditional love changes everything about how we walk through trials.

2. The Father Cares About Your Whole Self

Think about the tenderness in that verse. John doesn’t just care about Gaius’s spiritual output or church attendance. He prays for his physical health and his holistic well-being.

When you are struggling physically, whether like me with Addison’s disease, chronic pain, or unexpected illness, please remember that the Lord is not standing over you with a clipboard measuring your productivity. He cares about your physical body. He cares about your weariness. His grace covers your weakness, and His mercies are new every single morning.

3. Your Worth Was Never Measured by Preeminence

In the letter, John contrasts Gaius with Diotrephes, a man “who loveth to have the preeminence among them” (3 John 1:9). Diotrephes measured his life by status, control, and being first.

The world teaches us that our value is tied to our position, our influence, and our strength. When health or age strips those things away, performance-based religion tells us we are losing ground. But the Father was never impressed by worldly preeminence. He looks at the heart. Your walk with Him in a quiet, hidden season of weakness is just as precious in His sight as the days when you stood before crowds.

4. You Still Have Something to Give

Even when our sphere of influence shrinks to the walls of a room or a hospital bed, our calling as fellow workers with Christ remains intact. You can still pray. You can still extend grace. You can still offer a kind word to someone who steps into your world. Purpose is measured by faithfulness, not magnitude.

Resting in the Father’s Grace Today

As I navigate these days of physical weakness, I am leaning hard on the truth that God’s grace is sufficient. My prayer for you, whether you are facing health trials, emotional battles, or spiritual weariness, is that you will look away from your performance and rest entirely in the finished work of Jesus.

If this message has encouraged your heart, I invite you to read the full Hub article on waustingardner.com: Read the full Hub post on the Father’s Covenant Love in 3 John here.

You can also subscribe to get full articles each day for free via email over at our Followed by Mercy Medium publication.

Thank you again for your faithful prayers for my health. May you experience the profound, unshakable reality of God’s grace today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 3 John teach us about God’s love during times of illness?
3 John reveals that the Father’s love is not conditioned upon our physical strength, productivity, or usefulness. Through the tender greeting to Gaius, we see that God cares for our whole self: body and soul, and cherishes our walk with Him regardless of our circumstances.

How can I support Austin Gardner during his health struggles?
You can support Austin by keeping him in your daily prayers, specifically asking the Lord to bring his Addison’s disease under control and restore his physical strength so he can continue mentoring ministry leaders.

Where can I read more of Austin Gardner’s writings on grace and faith?
You can explore daily faith-based personal development articles on the main hub at waustingardner.com and follow daily updates via email at Medium Followed by Mercy.

About the Author
Austin Gardner is a speaker, author, and mentor with over 50 years of pastoral and missionary experience across more than 50 countries. Having walked through profound trials, including surviving Stage 4 kidney cancer and COVID, Austin writes with a pastoral, grace-centered voice focused on helping believers move from religious performance into the rest of Christ’s unconditional love.

When we look at the Gospels, we often find ourselves captivated by the gentle, steady movements of Jesus. He was never in a rush, never panicked by the noise of the crowd, and never trapped by the clever snares of religious critics. One of the most breathtaking pictures of His grace is found in the eighth chapter of John, a moment where a terrified woman was thrust into the dirt, and the Creator of the universe knelt down beside her.

If you haven’t yet read the full Hub post on this encounter, you can explore it here: Read the full Hub post on Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery.

Today, I want to walk through that dusty courtyard with you and see what it reveals about the unconditional love and mercy of our Savior.

They Threw Her Down; He Knelt Down

Picture the scene. Early in the morning, Jesus was teaching in the temple courts. Suddenly, the scribes and Pharisees burst in, dragging a woman caught in the very act of adultery. They thrust her into the center of the gathering, treating her not as a human being created in the image of God, but as a political pawn.

It was never really about the sin of adultery for them; it was about trapping Jesus. They wanted to back Him into a corner between the Law of Moses and the Roman authorities.

Notice what Jesus did. They threw her down; He knelt down. While they stood tall with rocks in their hands and accusations on their lips, Jesus stooped into the dust. He didn’t argue, didn’t match their hostility, and didn’t look for a fight. He met her at ground level.

The Dropped Stones and the Weight of Mercy

As the accusers pressed Him for an answer, demanding a verdict, Jesus rose and spoke words that pierced every self-righteous heart in the courtyard.

He didn’t abolish the law; He exposed the hypocrisy of those wielding it. One by one, beginning at the eldest even unto the last, the accusers dropped their stones and walked away. Conscience convicted them.

Then, Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before Him.

Think about that for a moment. Jesus was the only person in that entire courtyard who was completely without sin. He was the only one who actually had the moral right to pick up a stone and cast it. And yet, He is the exact one who chose not to pick one up.

Grace doesn’t pretend sin doesn’t matter. It means the guilt of it no longer gets to define you. Jesus didn’t condemn the woman, nor did He condemn the men who dragged her there: He met every single one of them with divine patience and mercy.

As the Apostle Paul wrote:

And because of His finished work on the cross, we stand in that exact same grace today:

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Also Published Today: More Reflections on Grace

As we journey together in this life of faith, I invite you to dive into a few other reflections that expand on what it means to live anchored in God’s unconditional love and mercy.

• The Forgiven Forgive: Based on the book of Philemon, this piece explores a runaway slave named Onesimus, a heartfelt letter from Paul, and what it means to forgive others because you have already been forgiven. We forgive not because it is easy, but because we have been forgiven a debt we could never repay. Read more in The Forgiven Forgive.

• How to Make the Church a Healing Hospital: Jesus called the church a hospital, not a courtroom. What if every broken, hurting person who walked through our doors found sanctuary, mercy, and healing instead of judgment and performance pressure? Explore the thoughts in Church as a Healing Hospital.

• The Blind Spot: Stepping outside our usual walls to examine missionary work and leadership. When we look at global ministry, the true measure of health is not how long a leader stays indispensable, but how quickly he becomes unnecessary because the ones he came to serve are leading well in Christ. Read the insights over at Alignment Ministries in The Blind Spot.

Rest in the Finished Work

My friend, God is not disappointed in you today. He is not measuring your worth by your consistency or your performance. Christ is enough, and His mercy is running toward you with intention. Take a deep breath, leave the stones of accusation behind, and rest in the wonderful reality that you are deeply loved, fully forgiven, and eternally secure.

About the Author:
Austin Gardner is a speaker, author, and mentor with over 50 years of ministry experience. Through platforms like Alignment Ministries and his writings on grace and mercy, he is dedicated to helping believers anchor their identity in the finished work of Christ.

Subscribe to [Followed by Mercy](http://www.followedbymercio.com /

http://www.followedbymercy.com)

for weekly reflections on grace, healing, and faith.

If you are anything like me, there are days when the weight of life makes God feel distant. Perhaps you have carried burdens, faced disappointments, or caught yourself wondering if your best efforts are even noticed. We often grow up in a religious culture that whispers a subtle lie: that God is standing at a distance with a clipboard, measuring our performance, and waiting for us to slip up.

However, the book of Hebrews shatters that anxious performance trap entirely. It reveals a Father whose heart is filled with grace, mercy, and unconditional covenant love. He is not reluctant to welcome us; instead, He invites us near.

If you want to dive deeper into this transformative study, you can Read the full article here on waustingardner.com. Let us walk through a few glimpses of what Hebrews shows us about our loving Father.

A Throne of Grace, Not Condemnation

Notice how the Father’s throne is introduced. It is not a courtroom of condemnation; it is a throne of grace. Consequently, you do not need to clean yourself up before you pray. You do not need to earn your way into His presence. Grace is His invitation to come exactly as you are, bringing your weariness straight to His heart.

A Father Who Remembers Your Sins No More

When we look at the New Covenant described in Hebrews, we see God’s incredible initiative. He is the one who pursues, forgives, and restores.

Therefore, you can stop keeping score against yourself. The Father has washed your slate clean through the finished work of Jesus. His covenant rests entirely on His faithfulness, not on your perfection.

A High Priest Who Understands Your Weakness

Sometimes we feel isolated in our struggles because we assume nobody understands the depth of our pain. Yet, Hebrews reminds us that Jesus shares our humanity and sympathizes with our frailties.

Because of this, you are never alone in your hardest moments. Your Father understands your grief, your tiredness, and your silent battles.

A Father Whose Discipline Is Pure Love

It is easy to misinterpret hardship as rejection. Nevertheless, the writer of Hebrews gently corrects our perspective on trials.

Discipline is never vindictive or punitive. Rather, it is proof of relationship. The Father corrects us because He is committed to our ultimate freedom and joy, shaping us as His beloved sons and daughters.

Resting in His Unshakable Character

Throughout my decades of ministry, through every valley, including walking through Stage 4 cancer and COVID, one truth has anchored my soul above all others: 

Everything around us may shift, but the heart of our Father remains utterly steadfast. He delights in you. He is able to save you to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25), and He is actively working within you to accomplish His good pleasure (Hebrews 13:20-21).

Today, take a deep breath. Release the pressure to perform, strive, or prove your worth. You are held by a God whose mercy runs toward you with intention.

Be sure to read the complete study over on our main site: Read the full article here.

About the Author

Austin Gardner is a speaker, author, and mentor with over 50 years of ministry experience. Through his writing and mentoring, he is dedicated to helping believers anchor their identity in the finished work of Christ and experience the transforming power of God’s grace.

For more grace-filled devotionals and reflections, subscribe to Followed by Mercy.

#AustinGardner #Grace #Mercy #FathersHeart #CovenantLove

Early in the morning, long before the world around my desk begins to stir, my open Bible has a way of stripping away all the noise we carry. Recently, as I sat with my devotions, a single verse jumped off the page with a quiet, unyielding weight. It wasn’t a brand-new verse to me, yet it felt heavier today, cutting straight through our modern, casual definitions of community.

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 17:17:

Most of us carry a quiet scar from someone who promised to stay, only to disappear right when life got heavy. Perhaps for you, it was a sudden medical diagnosis, a financial crisis, or a public failure where the phone abruptly stopped ringing. Solomon understood this human reality deeply, and his words offer an anchor when human loyalty frays.

If you want to read the deep-dive study behind what God showed me this morning, you can read the full Hub post here: Read the full Hub post on W. Austin Gardner.

What a Real Friend Actually Is

To grasp what Solomon is teaching, we have to look past our modern vocabulary. In the ancient Hebrew text, the word translated as “friend” did not mean someone you merely enjoyed spending an afternoon with. Instead, it meant someone bound to you: a true companion sharing the actual trenches of your daily existence, not just your hobbies or successes.

Consider the profound bond between David and Jonathan. Jonathan did not just like David; he willingly stepped aside and surrendered his own royal throne for that kind of covenant friendship. Consequently, nobody gives up a crown for someone they casually enjoy hanging out with.

Furthermore, the Hebrew word for “loveth” in this verse was action-based rather than feeling-based. Love was something you did, not merely something you felt when circumstances were pleasant. Therefore, you didn’t wake up asking whether you still felt warm emotional closeness; instead, you asked whether you had kept showing up.

Covenant Loyalty That Outlives Us

In the biblical world, this unwavering loyalty possessed a specific name: hesed. While English translators use several terms like mercy, lovingkindness, and grace depending on the context, hesed consistently represents covenant loyalty that keeps its promise even after the other person has nothing left to repay.

God demonstrates this exact loyal kindness toward His people throughout Scripture:

David and Jonathan anchored their relationship in this very kind of covenant commitment. Jonathan specifically asked David to pledge that his kindness would never depart from his household, looking far beyond their immediate lives. That is precisely what “a friend loveth at all times” assumes underneath the surface: a loyalty sworn like an oath, designed to outlive the people who made it.

When Solomon writes about “all times,” he is covering the harsh stretches of life that nobody plans for in advance. He is talking about the bankruptcy, the personal relapse, the devastating divorce, the frightening medical diagnosis, and the sudden disgrace. Anyone can stand beside you during a victory parade. Solomon is describing the person who remains standing right beside you after everyone else has quietly walked away into the shadows.

Born for the Hardest Seasons

Then, Solomon adds a phrase that startles us out of our comfort:

Notice that he does not say a brother is trained for adversity or built for it as a hobby. He says he is born for it.

This points directly to divine purpose rather than mere biology. A true brother’s entire reason for being shows up clearest in the rugged, difficult stretch of life, never in the smooth ones. Genuine brotherhood is never ruined by trouble; rather, trouble is precisely where brotherhood finally gets to do what God made it for.

The Friend Who Never Once Left

If you want to see what Proverbs 17:17 looks like with skin on, look straight at Jesus. He defined this ultimate commitment on the very night He was betrayed:

Jesus did not speak those words from an armchair of ease. He spoke them knowing the cross awaited Him. Paul echoed this reality in his letter to the Romans, reminding us that Christ died for us while we were still helpless sinners.

However, we must also be honest about human heartbreak. Sometimes, you pour your heart into living out Proverbs 17:17 toward others, and people still walk away. Jesus experienced this painful isolation firsthand when His disciples forsook Him and fled on the night of His arrest. Paul likewise experienced the sting of abandonment when standing trial in Rome:

If you have ever stared across an empty room after being abandoned, you are in fellowship with David, Paul, and Jesus Himself. Yet, even when human friendship fails, David’s confidence remains our anchor:

How to Actually Be This Kind of Friend

You cannot manufacture this kind of steadfast loyalty through sheer willpower or trying harder to impress people. Instead, it flows naturally out of resting in God’s unconditional love for you. Once your identity is securely anchored in His grace, loving others stops feeling like an exhausting religious performance.

To help you walk this out in daily life, consider these practical steps:

• Stay when it costs you. Bear one another’s burdens rather than only showing up for the celebratory moments.

• Speak truth in love. Real kindness never hides behind silence; it tells the truth gently because it genuinely cares for another soul.

• Serve without keeping score. Follow the example of Jesus, who came to give rather than to collect applause.

• Offer quiet presence before answers. Sometimes, like Job’s companions in their early silence, the best ministry is simply sitting with someone in their pain before offering advice.

Resting in His Unfailing Devotion

Ultimately, Solomon was not merely giving us pointers on how to pick better companions in life. He was pointing us toward the steadfast heart of God, revealed fully in Jesus Christ. You were never meant to manufacture perfect friendship in your own strength.

Instead, His mercy has already found you. When you rest in that reality, loving others becomes the natural overflow of a heart that knows it is fully and forever held.

For more devotions and reflections rooted in grace, make sure to subscribe to Followed by Mercy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Proverbs 17:17 truly mean about friendship?
Proverbs 17:17 teaches that true friendship is defined by loyal, action-oriented love that remains steadfast through every adversity rather than fading when life gets difficult. It points us to the unchanging covenant love of God in Christ.

How can I become a more faithful friend to others?
You become a faithful friend by resting first in God’s unconditional love, which frees you to stay through hardship, speak truth gently, serve without keeping score, and offer a quiet, supportive presence to those in pain.

What should I do when human friends abandon me?
When human relationships fail, or people walk away, remember that even Jesus and Paul experienced desertion. You can anchor your heart in the promise that the Lord will never forsake you.

About the Author
Austin Gardner is an international speaker, author, and mentor with over 50 years of ministry experience. Through his writing and mentoring, he is dedicated to pointing believers away from performance-based religion and toward rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

If you have been walking through our recent studies on guarding the heart, you might find yourself feeling a little weary. When we talk about watching our thoughts, filtering our desires, and standing firm against the daily pressures of a loud world, it is easy to slip into a mindset of exhausting self-management. We start to feel like soldiers on a crumbling wall, terrified that one moment of distraction will bring everything crashing down.

That is precisely why we need to pause and look at what God does when we have reached the end of our own strength.

The Turning Point: God Gives a New Heart

In our newest hub article, God Gives a New Heart, we explore Part 4 of the Guarding the Heart series. If the first few studies left you feeling like guarding your heart is a massive, daunting chore, this piece is the turning point you have been looking for.

God is not just standing in the distance shouting instructions and telling us to try harder with the broken, tired hearts we already possess. He is doing something miraculous on the inside. He is performing divine surgery.

Guarding your heart was never meant to be anxious self-protection. It is steady, peaceful watching over a life that God is already renewing, indwelling, and defending. You are not building the wall alone; you are resting in the security He provides. I encourage you to read the full hub post to see how God works in our deepest desires and makes His home within us.

Discovering the Father’s Unfailing Love

As we learn to rest in what God has done, our entire view of God begins to change. We stop seeing a taskmaster grading our consistency and start seeing a steadfast Father whose love precedes our performance.

If you or someone you love is walking through a season of deep trial, physical illness, or emotional exhaustion, I invite you to read God’s Love in 2 Thessalonians.

This deep dive reveals a Father who chooses before we perform, loves permanently, and gives everlasting consolation through grace. Whether you are battling a serious health crisis like cancer, recovering from profound personal failure, or simply feeling weary of religious performance, this study points straight to the heart of Jesus, who perfectly reveals the Father’s unconditional love.

Honest Reflection: Moving Past Blame

When we look honestly at our own hearts, another common hurdle often appears: our natural instinct to deflect when things go wrong. From Adam in the garden to our own daily frustrations, it is so easy to point fingers outward instead of looking inward.

In our recent study on Blame Shifting in the Bible, we explore the biblical pattern of victimhood, responsibility, and the freedom found in the cross.

This study carefully distinguishes between a self-justifying blame-shifting mentality and genuine injustice or oppression, which Scripture takes with utmost seriousness. It invites us away from endless self-defense and toward the quiet, liberating daily practice of dying to self, trusting God to handle our reputation while we walk closely with Him.

A Word for Missionaries and World Evangelism

For those of you called to world evangelism, ministry leadership, and the hard trenches of cross-cultural missions, I want to share a special reflection over at Alignment Ministries.

Throughout church history, the gospel message has time and time again nearly slipped from human hands. Yet in every generation, God preserves a faithful remnant. If you are serving on the mission field or laboring in local church ministry, take a moment to read The Baton We Keep Almost Dropping.

The mission was never meant to be powered by our own frantic pressure or fear of failure. The baton is in our hands today not as a burden to crush us, but as an invitation to join the Father in what He is already doing across the nations.

Rest in the Finished Work

My friends, remember this today: God is not disappointed in you, and He is not measuring your worth by your frantic consistency. Rest doesn’t come after you finally fix every flaw in your life; rest comes first.

Take a deep breath. You are held by a Father whose mercy runs toward you with intention.

About the Author
Austin Gardner is a speaker, author, and mentor with over 50 years of ministry experience. Through his writing, mentoring, and global travels, he loves pointing believers away from religious performance and toward the beautiful, restful grace of Jesus Christ.

If this message has encouraged your heart, make sure to subscribe to Followed by Mercy at www.followedbymercy.com for regular reflections on grace, healing, and rest in Christ.

Hello, my friends.

Every single day, we carry the quiet weight of trying to navigate life with grace, protect our minds from anxiety, and love the people around us without burning out. However, God never intended for us to live on the treadmill of spiritual performance. Instead, He invites us into rest, union with Christ, and the deep security of His unconditional love.

Today, I want to invite you to pause and reflect on three fresh articles we published across our ministry platforms. Each one approaches this journey from a slightly different angle: whether it is guarding your heart with peace rather than panic, looking straight into the Father’s heart through Colossians, or learning what it truly means to love people so deeply that you become one of them.

1. Guarding the Heart Without Anxiety: Proverbs 4:23

When Solomon tells us to keep our hearts with all diligence, it is easy to misinterpret that command as a call for frantic, white-knuckling spiritual defense. Consequently, many believers spend their days feeling like they are guarding a fragile fortress against an inevitable breach.

In our new post, Guarding the Heart: Proverbs 4:23, we explore what it actually means to tend your heart like a garden rather than defuse a bomb. Solomon immediately points us to the gates: our mouth, our eyes, and our feet. What we say, what we look at, and where we walk matter deeply.

However, you are never standing guard alone. As you fill your mind with God’s Word and allow Christ to make His home in your heart, His peace takes up a garrison around your soul. Guarding your heart is simply about letting truth dwell where fear used to live.

2. Seeing the Father Clearly in Colossians

If you have ever wondered whether God is disappointed in you or measuring your worth by your consistency, the book of Colossians offers a breathtaking corrective. In God’s Love in Colossians, we unpack how the Father takes the absolute initiative in our rescue.

He is not an angry judge reluctantly persuaded to forgive us; He is a loving Father who qualified us, rescued us from darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of His dear Son.

Notice the order of those words. Paul never tells us to perform in order to become holy; he reminds us that we are already holy and beloved. Therefore, obedience and kindness flow naturally from being loved first. Christ in you is the hope of glory, and His finished work is completely enough.

3. Love Them Enough to Become One of Them

John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

True ministry- whether across an ocean or across your own neighborhood fence- requires more than sending resources from a safe distance. In our Alignment Ministries feature, Love Them Enough to Become One of Them, we look at what Jesus’ incarnation teaches us about humility, presence, and genuine belonging.

Jesus did not observe humanity from a safe distance. He became one of us. He ate our food, shared our struggles, and stayed present when things got messy. When we stop treating people like projects and start loving them as family, the gospel stops being a strategy and starts looking like Jesus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to guard your heart without feeling anxious?

Guarding your heart means tending your soul with steady, attentive care rather than living in panic or spiritual self-protection. By anchoring your thoughts in Scripture and inviting Christ to dwell within you, His peace naturally defends your mind against fear and accusation.

How does Colossians reframe our view of the Father?

Colossians reveals that God is the initiator of our rescue, reconciliation, and adoption through Jesus Christ. Rather than viewing the Father as a distant judge, we see Him as a loving parent who qualifies us by grace and calls us His beloved children before any performance is required.

Why is physical presence so vital in cross-cultural ministry?

Following the example of Christ’s incarnation, true ministry requires immersing yourself in the lives, culture, and daily realities of the people you serve. Building genuine homes rather than bunkers allows relationships to thrive and turns strangers into family.

Austin Gardner is a speaker, author, and mentor with over 50 years of ministry experience.

If this message resonates with your heart, take a moment to listen along and subscribe to the Followed by Mercy Podcast. Rest in the truth that you are fully known, deeply loved, and held securely in His hands today.

#Grace #RestInChrist #UnconditionalLove #NewCovenant #FaithJourney

It is good to be with you again. As I sit down to write this, I am thinking about the conversations I’ve had lately with many of you. Some of you are walking through the darkest valley of your life, facing a loss that feels too heavy to carry. Others are wrestling with your identity, wondering if God is actually as good as the Bible says He is, or if He’s just a cosmic scorekeeper waiting for you to trip up. And some of you are looking for a way to live out your faith with more humility and heart.

I’ve spent over 50 years in ministry, and if there is one thing I have learned through cancer, through COVID, and through the highs and lows of missionary life, it is this: God is for you. His mercy is not trailing behind you with conditions; it is running toward you with intention.

Today, I want to invite you to sit with three stories, three articles I’ve shared today that I believe will meet you right where you are. Whether you need comfort, a fresh look at the Father’s heart, or a challenge to live more like Jesus, there is something here for you.

1. When the Chair Is Empty: Hope for the Grieving

We often feel like we have to “be strong” when we lose someone we love. We think that if we cry too much or hurt too deeply, it somehow means we don’t have enough faith. But that is not what the Bible teaches us.

When I wrote Comfort for Grieving Families, I wanted to remind us all that even Jesus wept. He stood at the tomb of His friend Lazarus and let the tears flow, even though He knew He was about to perform a miracle. Your grief is not a lack of faith; it is an expression of the love you still carry.

In this article, I talk about what death cannot take from you. It can take a voice or a hug, but it cannot take God’s promises, Christ’s victory, or the hope of a joyful reunion. If you are hurting today, please know that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. You don’t have to rush your healing. You just have to rest in the One who holds the keys to life and death.

2. The Letter You Didn’t Know Was a Love Letter

Most of us have been taught to read 1 Corinthians like a rulebook or a grading sheet. We see the lists of sins, the corrections, and the warnings, and we walk away feeling like we’ve failed the test. But what if we’ve been reading it wrong?

In The Father’s Heart in 1 Corinthians, I invite you to see this letter as a Father talking to His children who have simply forgotten who they are. Notice how Paul starts: before he corrects a single mess, he calls them “saints.” He thanks God for the grace given to them before he ever mentions their failures.

God is faithful, even when we are not. He chose the weak, the foolish, and the unimpressive on purpose so that His grace could be the hero of the story. If you’ve been hurt by “churchianity” or legalism, this article is for you. It’s a reminder that your identity is settled in Christ, and your Father is not disappointed in you; He is for you.

3. The Humility of a Shaved Head

Finally, for those of you who feel a call to reach others, whether across the street or across an ocean, I shared a story on Alignment Ministries about a man who changed the face of missions forever.

In The Missionary Who Became Chinese to Reach the Chinese, we look at the life of Hudson Taylor. He was mocked by his own countrymen for shaving his head and wearing Chinese dress. They called it the “pigtail mission.” But Taylor understood that you cannot win people’s hearts while looking and living like their enemy.

He chose humility over comfort. He chose presence over proclamation. This isn’t just a story for missionaries; it’s a lesson for all of us on how to love people by meeting them where they are, just as Jesus did when He “made himself of no reputation” to reach us.

Resting in the Finished Work

All of these stories point back to one central truth: you are loved exactly as you are. You do not have to perform to earn God’s favor. You already have it because of what Jesus finished on the cross. As I often say in my article The Big Leap of Faith, the hardest thing you will ever do is believe that God actually loves you without conditions.

Stop striving. Stop trying to fix yourself before you come to Him. Rest comes first. You are not being graded; you are being held.

I hope these articles encourage your heart this week. I am praying for you, and I am thankful for the grace that follows us all.

Be blessed,

Austin Gardner

Common Questions About Grace and Healing

Does God get tired of my grief or my failures?
No, God is not measuring your worth by your consistency or your “strength.” He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who stays near to the brokenhearted as long as they need Him.

How do I know if I am truly a “saint” if I still struggle with sin?
Your identity as a saint is based on being “called in Christ Jesus,” not on your performance. In 1 Corinthians, Paul called a very messy church “saints” because their standing depended on God’s faithfulness, not theirs.

What does it mean to “rest” in the finished work of Christ?
Resting means stopping the religious performance aimed at earning God’s love. It is the confidence that Christ has already done everything necessary for your acceptance, allowing you to live from a place of being loved rather than working to be loved.

#Grace #Mercy #AustinGardner #FaithBasedDevelopment #FollowedByMercy

About the Author
Austin Gardner is a speaker, author, and mentor with over 50 years of ministry experience. A survivor of Stage 4 cancer and COVID, he focuses on helping individuals and leaders discover the overwhelming grace and mercy of God.

Connect with Austin:

• Listen to the Followed by Mercy Podcast

• Watch on YouTube @waustingardner

• Learn more at Alignment Ministries

Hello, my dear friends and coworkers in the gospel. I am writing to you today with a heart that is truly blessed and excited, even as I navigate some of the physical challenges that come with this season of my life. The Lord is so good, and His mercy is indeed running toward us with intention every single day.

I want to start by being honest with you about how I am doing physically. Specifically, I am still experiencing what I believe are lingering side effects from the radiation treatments. One of the most difficult parts has been getting enough rest; it makes it very difficult to sleep at night, and I find myself awake and praying through the quiet hours. However, I am not discouraged. Your prayers have been a lifeline for Betty and me, and I want to thank every one of you who has taken the time to lift us up before the Father.

Please continue to pray for me, specifically regarding a decision I am weighing. Therefore, I am asking God for wisdom about making my annual trip to Peru in October. My heart wants to go and be with the people I love so dearly, but I need the Lord’s clear guidance on the timing, my physical strength, and exactly what He wants me to accomplish there. I am resting in the truth that He holds the map.

My Journey in Ministry: A New Way to See the Story

I am thrilled to share that we have officially published a new page on the website called My Journey in Ministry. For a long time, I wanted to put the whole story in one place, not to build a monument to what I have done, but to build a testimony to what God’s unfailing faithfulness can do with a life.

This page covers over 50 years of missions, leadership, and a lifetime of grace. It takes you from a farm in Tennessee to the mountain cities of Peru and across 50 countries. More importantly, it chronicles the shift from a performance-driven ministry to discovering radical grace. I talk openly about the cancer, the COVID-19 battle on a ventilator, and the realization that God is not impressed by your resume. He is not intimidated by your diagnosis, and He certainly does not love you more because you are “useful.”

If you have ever felt like you were being graded by God, I want you to read this story and see that the grace of God is not only sufficient, it is transformative. You can read the full account and find encouragement for your own path here.

Seeing the Father’s Heart: A Weekend Recap

This past weekend was filled with a deep dive into the Word. I published several new articles that I believe will help you move away from religious pressure and into the rest of the finished work of Christ. It all begins with The Big Leap of Faith, which is the foundation of everything I teach.

How Christians Respond to Enemies

In this study, we look at Psalm 109. David’s language is raw and severe, but he gives us a vital pattern: he took his pain to God instead of taking revenge into his own hands. Jesus takes this even further by changing our posture. He tells us to love our enemies and bless those who curse us. The cross was God’s final answer to every injustice, and the resurrection is our confidence that He will judge rightly.

The Father in the Book of Acts

Many people think the Father of the Gospels is different from the God we see in Acts, but that is a lie. Acts is the story of the generous Father continuing His work through the Spirit. He is still forgiving persecutors and widening His family to include everyone. The book opens with a gift, the promise of the Father, before it ever gives a command.

Seeing the Father’s Heart in Your Pain

For anyone who has ever wondered if God is punishing them through their sickness or loss, this article is for you. We start where Jesus started. In John 14:9, Jesus made it clear:

Did Jesus ever make someone sick to teach them a lesson? No. He healed, restored, and comforted. The Father is not against you; He is for you.

Do You Know the Father?

This is a walk through the Gospel of John, where the word “Father” appears over 100 times. John didn’t write mainly to prove miracles; he wrote so we would see the Father’s heart. You are held twice, once in the Son’s hand and once in the Father’s hand. Meanwhile, the Father who loves you with the same love He has for Jesus is holding you tight.

Alignment Ministries: Humility in Missions

On the Alignment Ministries side, we have released two critical articles for those called to missions and leadership development.

Relations with Nationals is a study on how to serve with humility and Christlike love across cultures. We must move away from paternalism, the idea that the missionary is the “parent” and the national church is the “child”, and toward true partnership. The missionary’s goal is eventually to become obsolete in a place because the work has succeeded in raising up local leaders.

The Word Made Flesh explores how the incarnation of Jesus is our perfect model. Jesus came as a helpless infant, a learner, and a servant. He “made himself of no reputation.” Consequently, that is our calling in miniature: to enter a culture with a willingness to be taught, to be corrected, and to serve from below.

Resting in the Finished Work

As I sit here today, still feeling the weight of my physical trials, I am reminded that my identity is not found in how many articles I write or how many countries I visit. My identity is found in being a loved son. Consequently, I can rest. I don’t have to perform to keep God’s favor; I have it because of Jesus.

I encourage you to take that same leap of faith. Stop striving to earn what has already been given. Rest doesn’t come after you fix yourself. Rest comes first.

About the Author:
Austin Gardner is a missionary, author, and speaker on mercy and grace. With over 50 years of experience in pastoral ministry and global missions, he focuses on mentoring leaders through a lens of the New Covenant and the finished work of Christ.

Join the Journey

If these updates bless you, I invite you to subscribe to my podcast, Followed by Mercy, and follow our journey on YouTube at @waustingardner. Let’s continue to discover the goodness of God together.

FAQ for Austin Gardner and Ministry

Does Austin Gardner still travel for speaking engagements?
Yes, Austin continues to accept keynote speaking invitations as his health permits. He is currently seeking wisdom for an upcoming trip to Peru in October 2026 and appreciates prayers for strength and clear guidance.

What is the “My Journey” page on waustingardner.com?
The My Journey in Ministry page is a comprehensive overview of Austin’s 50+ years of ministry, from the mission fields of Peru to his recent health battles. It emphasizes the transformation from performance-based religion to resting in God’s unconditional love.

Where can I find Austin Gardner’s latest teachings on grace?
The best place to stay updated is through the blog at waustingardner.com and the Followed by Mercy newsletter on Beehiiv and Substack. These platforms feature his latest insights on the Father’s heart and the New Covenant.

#Grace #Mercy #FaithBasedDevelopment #AustinGardner #Missions

This letter should have gone out yesterday, but I was sick Thursday night. I skipped church, couldn’t sleep , laid awake on the couch in my office. Had a horrible day. But I slept Friday night (last night) and feel better today. From what I understand, this may be a reaction to the radiation treatments. Thank you for praying for us.

Even when the body struggles, the spirit can rest. Therefore, I want to spend today pointing you away from the noise and toward the steady, unchanging goodness of God. Over the last forty-eight hours, I have published six studies that dive deep into the Father’s heart. These articles are meant to move you out of religious performance and into the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile, I invite you to take a slow walk through these studies. Each one is a reminder that you are not being graded; you are being held.

1. The LORD Is Good: Unpacking Psalm 100:5

Psalm 100:5 is arguably one of the most vital verses in the entire Bible. It answers the fundamental question of existence: What is God really like? In this study, we examine three Hebrew words that form the bedrock of our faith: tov (goodness), hesed (covenantal mercy), and emunah (faithfulness).

Specifically, we explore how God’s goodness means He always fulfills His purpose perfectly. His mercy is not a fleeting emotion; it is a covenant love that refuses to let go. His truth is the stability you can lean your whole weight upon. Consequently, when you understand these three words, you see that Jesus is the perfect revelation of them all.

Read “The LORD Is Good” here.

2. What Jesus Reveals About the Father’s Heart

Many people grew up with a divided view of God. They see Jesus as the kind one and the Father as the angry one. However, Jesus Himself said, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”

In this walk through the Gospel of Mark, we see a Father who is willing, not reluctant. He is the One who touches the untouchable before the healing even begins. He is the Father who speaks identity, “Son”, before He addresses the problem. Most importantly, we see that Jesus loved the rich young ruler before the man ever gave an answer.

This article reminds us that God’s love is not a reward for your response; it is the nature of His heart toward you right now.

Read “What Jesus Reveals” here.

3. Unconditional Love That Never Approves of Sin

There is a common fear that “unconditional love” means God doesn’t care about holiness. On the contrary, God’s love is so great that He refuses to leave you in what destroys you. We look at the Hebrew word hesed once more to see how covenant mercy transforms us from the inside out.

Note the order in that verse: you are already “holy and beloved” before you are told how to live. Obedience is the fruit of being loved, not the price for it. Therefore, we move from fear-based religion to identity-based holiness.

Read “Unconditional Love” here.

4. The Father’s Heart in Luke: Why You Can Trust Him

If Mark shows us the Father’s actions, the Gospel of Luke lets us hear His heartbeat. Luke 15 is the mountain peak of this revelation. We see the Shepherd who searches, the woman who seeks, and the Father who runs.

The Father in Luke doesn’t wait for a finished repentance speech; He interrupts it with an embrace. Furthermore, this study tackles the fear of death, showing that because the Father is trustworthy in life, He is utterly dependable in the transition to eternity.

Read “The Father’s Heart in Luke” here.

5. Ask God for Leaders

Moving into the realm of ministry, I published a word for leaders through Alignment Ministries. Often, we complain that there are no leaders available. However, leaders are not found; they are formed. It starts with asking God for a “band of men whose hearts He has touched.”

We must learn to “see double”, to see men as they are, and as God intends them to become. This is the heart of mentoring and multiplication.

Read “Ask God for Leaders” here.

6. Use of Media and Material

Finally, we consider the tools God has given us in this information age. Media does not replace the local church; it serves it. It is our “air attack” that softens the ground for the ground troops of personal evangelism and church planting.

Excellence in our material honors the God we serve. Whether it is a book, a broadcast, or a digital page, these tools reach where our feet cannot go. Closed doors are rarely closed to signals and pages.

Read about and support a ministry devoted to providing media and materials around the world and doing a tremendous job. It is Taking the Light with Robert Canfield.

Read “Use of Media and Material” here.

Finding Rest in the Father’s Heart

As I mentioned at the start, this week has been physically demanding. But the beauty of the New Covenant is that my standing with God is not based on how many miles I can walk or how many hours I can stay awake. My standing is based entirely on the finished work of Jesus.

If you are struggling today, whether with physical pain, ministry burnout, or the weight of trying to please a God you think is disappointed in you, please hear this: Rest doesn’t come after you fix yourself. Rest comes first.

You are already loved. You are already accepted. You are already held. This is The Big Leap of Faith: believing that God loves you exactly as you are, not as you should be.

Austin Gardner is an international speaker, author, and mentor with over 50 years of ministry experience. He is a survivor of Stage 4 cancer and COVID-19, and he continues to mentor leaders worldwide through Alignment Ministries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does God’s love change when I fail?
No, God’s love is rooted in His character, not your performance. As we see in the life of Peter and the story of the Prodigal Son, God’s response to failure is restoration, not rejection. He is the Father who runs toward you while you are still a “great way off.”

How can I know I am accepted by God?
Your acceptance is based on your union with Christ, not your own consistency. Jesus is the perfect revelation of the Father’s heart, and He welcomed the broken, the outsider, and the failing. You can rest in the fact that because you are in Christ, the Father views you with the same delight He has for His Son.

Is discipline a sign that God is angry with me?
Scripture tells us that the Father chastens those He loves. This is not the anger of a judge seeking payment, but the love of a Father seeking your maturity and restoration. Discipline is God’s commitment to your goodness, ensuring that you grow into the identity He has already given you.

#Grace #Mercy #FaithBasedDevelopment #AustinGardner #FathersHeart

I want to start today with a very personal note of gratitude. Many of you have been so kind to pray for my physical health over these last few months. It has been a long road, but I can honestly say that I see the Lord seemingly making me feel better physically. Consequently, my heart is just full of thanks. Your prayers have been a lifeline to me, and I am profoundly grateful for the way you have stood with Betty and me. It is a beautiful thing to rest in the satisfaction in Jesus when your strength is small, and even more beautiful to feel that strength returning by His grace.

Meanwhile, the work of sharing the Father’s heart continues with more joy than ever. When you’ve faced the things I’ve faced lately, the message of mercy isn’t just a doctrine anymore; it’s the very air you breathe. This week, we’ve released two new deep dives into what it means to live in the DNA of Grace, and I wanted to share them with you here.

The First Word Is Always Love

I spent some time this week looking at the very last book of the Old Testament. Most people think of Malachi as a book of hard corrections and warnings. However, if you look closely at how the Father opens the conversation, everything changes. Before He mentions their failures, before He addresses the coldness of their worship, He speaks one definitive truth.

The Father’s first words are “I have loved you.” That is the lens through which we must read every other page of the Bible. He doesn’t wait for us to get it right before He declares His affection. He starts with love. Specifically, He grounds our security in His own unchanging nature.

If God is love, and He does not change, then His love for you cannot fluctuate based on your performance. This is the core of The Big Leap of Faith, actually believing that God delights in you exactly as you are today. You can read the full article on the Father’s Love in Malachi here.

Training Leaders for a Legacy That Outlives You

At Alignment Ministries, we are constantly thinking about the next generation. I’ve been in ministry for over 50 years, and one thing I know for certain is that the work must continue long after I am gone. Therefore, we focus on Training Leaders who understand that ministry is about multiplication, not just addition.

We look at the pattern Paul gave to Timothy. It wasn’t just about one man doing a great job; it was about seeing people differently and letting a few become what you became.

Notice the four generations in that one verse: Paul, Timothy, faithful men, and others. That is how the Gospel moves across the world. It’s about building your brother’s name and investing in people who will carry the torch. You can explore our new training resources at Alignment Ministries.

A Legacy of Faith in My Own Home

One of the greatest joys of my life is seeing my own sons carry on the ministry of grace and truth. It makes a father’s heart glad to see the next generation running further than he did.

My son Chris Gardner is doing incredible work through his channel, Legacy Shift Now. He has a way of communicating the truth that is punchy, practical, and full of life. I encourage all of you to take a look at what he is doing and let it encourage your heart. You can find his YouTube shorts here.

And then there is my son David Gardner. David is on the front lines in Arequipa, Peru, doing the hard, beautiful work of a missionary. He is planting churches and mentoring national leaders in the mountains and cities of Peru. I want to invite you to join his team. Supporting David isn’t just about a donation; it’s about making a tangible difference in a part of the world that is hungry for the message of grace. Please visit Peru Ministry and see how you can stand with them.

50 Years of Grace at Your Fingertips

Finally, I want to remind you that we have gathered everything we’ve learned over the last five decades into one place. Whether you are looking for help with your marriage, a deep dive into the covenants of the Bible, or just a word of encouragement in a season of pain, it is all there.

We call it the Resource Library. It contains the entire DNA of Grace series: tracing the Father’s heart from Genesis to Revelation. It has our podcast, Followed by Mercy, and hundreds of articles designed to move you away from religious performance and toward resting in the finished work of Christ.

You can access the full library at waustingardner.com.

Confidence in His Mercy

As I head into this next week, feeling stronger and more encouraged, I want to leave you with this: Austin Gardner is just a man who has been followed by Grace and Mercy every day of his life. If there is anything good in me, it is the result of a Father who refused to let me go.

I want you to land in that same confidence today. God is for you. Christ is enough. You can rest.

FAQ: Understanding Grace and Leadership

What does it mean that God’s first words in Malachi are “I have loved you”?
It means that God’s relationship with us is always based on His initiative and affection rather than our behavior. He establishes His love as the foundation before He ever addresses our failures or needs for correction. This reminds us that we are accepted because of who He is, not because of what we do.

How does 2 Timothy 2:2 apply to modern ministry leadership?
This verse provides a blueprint for multiplication rather than just direct service. Instead of a leader trying to do everything themselves, they focus on “committing” the truth to faithful people who can then teach others. It shifts the goal from building a large personal following to building a legacy of leaders who can carry the work forward.

Where can I find resources on building a grace-centered marriage or family?
Our comprehensive Resource Library includes a specific section on Marriage and Family. These resources focus on moving away from a performance-based “contract” marriage and toward a covenant relationship built on daily forgiveness and the unconditional love of the Father.

#AustinGardner #Grace #Mercy #FathersHeart #CovenantLove