Do I really believe that God can do the impossible? Do I really get that it doesn’t matter what people look like on the outside or how they act, no one is beyond God’s reach. Do I remember how dead I was in my transgressions when God saved me? Do I realize that God’s will cannot be thwarted? I’ve been reminded of these things lately.
Just today I heard a remarkable testimony of a young woman who is new to our church. I could identify with much of what she shared. She had cravings for something to fulfill her and tried to satisfy those cravings through sin. In her case it involved self-destructive behavior that might be more extreme than other people’s, but in many ways it is the same for us all. As she told her story and humbly shared the depths of where she had been she also shared how God’s sovereign merciful hand had been upon her protecting her from so much danger that could have taken her life. Then she shared how Jesus rescued her and how she now knows that he is the only one who satisfies. She told us of the transformation that Christ has done in her life. From total despair and hopelessness to new life in Christ and hope that goes beyond this life. What a wonderful savior we have!
I had the privilege to stand up for a good friend in her wedding on Valentines Day. Her story is worth sharing. She was a single mom of 3 who had been married in 1998 and then divorced in 2001. Her ex-husband was a drug addict and con man. He would come back into her life just long enough to get her pregnant and then leave again. This happened twice. But God met him in a county jail and rescued him from darkness. Now he loves to speak of Jesus and tell anyone who will listen what Christ did for him. That’s what he did on his wedding day. He seized the opportunity that the microphone afforded him during speech time and shared the gospel with his wedding guests. One of those people was the brother of my friend. His eyes were opened to the truth and he received God’s gift of salvation too. God is in the very act of restoring my friend’s family, beginning with her marriage and extending to other family members. What a wonderful savior we have!
Who do I write off in my life? Could it be my feminist, liberal niece or my sister who tolerates my faith but doesn’t accept it? What about my neighbors who are good people and don’t see their need for Christ? Jesus Christ meets our deepest needs and he is able to save anyone. He saved me.
I was self-centered and following the ways of the world. I took my cues from those around me about how I should act and think. I cared more about what the outside of me looked like than the inside. I was desperate for acceptance. I thought finding acceptance with guys would make me happy but instead all I ended up with was a pregnancy and subsequent abortion. Then the guilt overwhelmed me. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved me, even when I was dead in my trespasses, made me alive together with Christ – by grace I have been saved. (Eph 2:4-5)
That same grace is still available today. This same God has a plan even for those who seem like they could care less about him. No corner is too dark, no pit to deep for the love of Christ to penetrate. It does us good to think about who we were and what we are now because of Christ.
Someday when I get a little more technologically savvy I’ll put music on my blog. For now writing lyrics will have to suffice. This song encouraged me this morning. I hope its words will encourage you as well as you glory in your redeemer.
I WILL GLORY IN MY REDEEMER
Steve & Vikki Cook
VERSE 1
I will glory in my redeemer
Whose priceless blood has ransomed me
Mine was the sin that drove the bitter nails
And hung Him on that judgment tree
I will glory in my Redeemer
Who crushed the power of sin and death
My only Savior before the holy Judge
The Lamb Who is my righteousness
The Lamb Who is my righteousness.
VERSE 2
I will glory in my redeemer
My life He bought, my love He owns
I have no longings for another
I’m satisfied in Him alone.
I will glory in my Redeemer
His faithfulness my standing place
Though foes are mighty and rush upon me
My feet are firm, held by His grace
My feet are firm, held by His grace
VERSE 3
I will glory in my redeemer
Who carries me on eagle’s wings
He crowns my life with lovingkindness
His triumph song I’ll ever sing
I will glory in my Redeemer
Who waits for me at gates of gold
And when He calls me it will be paradise
His face forever to behold
His face forever to behold
Comments
Feb. 19, 2008 - You amaze me...
Posted by baronsgirl
...as always. Thanks for yet another convicting post. I know I keep saying it, but what wisdom you have!!! I talked w/ my hubby last night about what your wrote about writing people off...I know we do that more than we realize.
Also...we've been having a conversation about the importance of WORDS, being careful about their meaning, etc. Can you help me out with the use of the word glory here in this song? I think I know what they are getting at, but not sure I've ever looked it up, or know quite where this use comes from...I will glory in.... Any help there?
Many, many blessings to you in Christ by His grace, my friend!
Love,
Jodie
Feb. 19, 2008 - Does this help?
Posted by Joyous
Jodie,
As always thanks for your kind and encouraging comments. I looked up the word glory just to make sure I understood it correctly. It might seem more confusing because we typically use the word referring to God like glorifying him or the glory that is his. In this case it's used as a verb and the definition of glory as a verb is this:
*to exult with triumph; rejoice proudly
*Obsolete. to boast.
So, I take this to mean in the song that we boast or rejoice in what Jesus has done for us. I hope that helps.
Love you,
Joy
Feb. 19, 2008 - Thanks!
Posted by baronsgirl
That's what I was thinking, but didn't have the definition in my mind. Silly me...could have gone to my own dictionary, eh? But thanks for the clarification. You were right on track with what I was thinking there (big surprise, oh kindred spirit!).
Love you lots and lots, will write more later. ~Jod