Do you feel the need to be redeemed? The world is in turmoil and people are feeling it. I hear it often. People are saying times are hard. There seems to be a lot of sadness and loss. Loss of jobs, loss of loved ones and loss of homes. People are making mistakes (Hey, we are all human!), feeling disappointment and regret. Are you carrying regret or grief? Let’s discover together how God redeems broken chapters in our lives and continues writing a story filled with purpose and hope. He will redeem us!
When a Chapter Feels Final
Loss can shake your world. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, a job or a home, it can be devastating. Oftentimes you may feel like you cannot move forward. The same can hold true for mistakes. They loom over you like reminders of failure. Mistakes talk to you, telling you why you cannot move forward; why you are unworthy of better things. Mistakes may bring disappointment. Disappointment may also stem from when things don’t go well or your way. Maybe you thought you would be recognized for the efforts you made and you felt overlooked. Then there is regret. Regret often stares you right in the face and shouts at you, “You missed your opportunity!” This makes you feel like things are final and cannot be changed. That is simply not true.
Name what you may be quietly carrying. Does it feel final? Know that nothing is ever final. Jesus gave His life for us so this life would not be final. When a chapter in your life feels final, you need to feel God and how he redeems you. You need to turn back to your relationship with God and lean into it. He is waiting for you.
The God of Redemption
God is the God of redemption, but remember that redemption does not erase pain. It transforms purpose. Romans 8:28 teaches us “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (usccb.org) When we focus on our love for God and serving for Him and through Him, our work has a greater purpose. He uses our challenges and pain to redeem us.
God is always offering us more. We just need to accept it. Whenever you feel life becoming hard, turn to Genesis 50:20, “Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve this present end, the survival of many people.” (usccb.org) We are loved. Promises of the good yet to come were made plainly when Jesus was on the cross. He died for us so we can have a better life in eternity. Let’s remember the promises God has made us. He never promised there would be no suffering. But He did promise redemption just like in Joel 2:25, “I will repay you double what the swarming locust has eaten, The hopper, the consuming locust, and the cutter, my great army I sent against you.” (usccb.org)
Biblical Stories of Redemption
The Bible is full of stories of redemption. Some of the more well-known stories are that of Peter after denial, the prodigal son and Thomas and his doubt.
- We know the story of Peter well. Peter denied Jesus three times. He denied being a disciple twice and denied being with him. Yet Jesus redeemed him. It was after His resurrection, but before His ascension that Jesus gave Peter three opportunities to redeem himself by proclaiming he loved Jesus.
- The parable of the prodigal son tells us about a son who runs off and squanders his inheritance while his brother stays and serves his father with physical labor. After he runs out of money, feeling broken, he returns home expecting punishment. Instead he is welcomed with open arms, joy and a feast. This redemption is based in God’s love.
- We have all heard of the doubting Thomas. This has Biblical history. Thomas was the disciple that would not believe Jesus was risen unless he could touch His wounds. Although Jesus does speak His disappointment in Thomas’s disbelief, he does invite him to indeed stick his finger in His wounds.
When you are feeling lost or like there is no more good that can come, turn to scripture and see what Jesus can do! Redemption is available to all of us.
What Redemption Looks Like Now
Remember that healing takes time. As humans, we want everything to occur quickly. That just doesn’t normally happen. We need to have patience and allow things to happen in God’s time. Restoration may look different than we had imagined. We need to be open for what God wants for us. Remember that God uses scars as testimony. It is through your trials and tribulations that you will grow. There, you can also find your testimony.
I have many “mini stories” of where God has worked in my life. It wasn’t until my husband lost his job and we only had one car that we all actually prayed intentionally together without there being food in front of us. At that time, I did not see God working because I focused on the struggle. Because of that struggle, I learned more about God’s love and his invitation for redemption. I learned that nothing is ever wasted in God’s hands.
Practical Healing Steps
When you feel broken or less than, you often need and want healing. Here are some practical steps to healing:
- Honest prayer: Remember what prayer is. Prayer is a discussion with God. Share your feelings, your needs and your love. Do not forget to praise him. Make an intentional request, but remember to be open to His answer and listen for it.
- Forgiving yourself: Sometimes it is much easier to forgive others than to forgive ourselves. We hang on to disappointment, regret and shame. You must forgive yourself. If you need help with that, I offer a free guide. Just request it here.
- Releasing control: This is a big one. As humans, we take pride in being in control when in reality, that control belongs to God. Learn to surrender. Give God His power back and watch amazing things happen. Be patient. Practice your surrender, because it is difficult. There are great resources available at The Surrender Project.
- Taking one forward step: Start small. It only takes one step forward to make progress. Give yourself grace. You will make mistakes because you are human. Remember that God created you to be fabulous, not perfect.
The Author of your faith still holds the pen. He is not finished with you yet. Just invite Him into a relationship with you and be present with Him. Don’t focus on what was. Instead focus on what will be. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:26, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” (usccb.org) I leave you with this song: Write My Story by Francesca Battistelli. Enjoy!
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