Rescued Through Redemption

So often in this life, it's easy to lose perspective. We complain about the air conditioning not working, not getting to spend enough time with the ones we love, feeling like we’re behind everyone around us, or that we just don’t have enough. This idea is best seen in an America where a majority of our actions are motivated by earning or gaining more. It could be money, fame, health, beauty, happiness or a host of other things, but we’re all looking for more.

 

Now people really do have needs, and there are definitely those whose needs are not met, but for the most part in our country, we are overwhelmingly blessed. That includes me. I’m not disillusioned to the fact that my family is privileged, that I am privileged, but I think there’s a power to understanding that, especially in light of the gospel. We have churches on every street corner, with laws and regulations put in place precisely for our religious freedoms.

 

As much as I don’t like to admit it, I treat salvation like this too. In everyday life, we as believers often don’t take time to remember what we’ve been saved from. I was an enemy. I actively worked against the one person who knew and loved me like no other, the most severe of betrayals. But God being merciful still brought me to himself. 

 

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10. 

 

Not only am I brought to His table, but I have been set apart and declared chosen, royal and a special possession. How can my response be anything but utter thankfulness?

 

This one change in perspective from a yearning, unfulfilled heart to one of humble thankfulness transforms everything. I’ve battled health issues for several years now and there are some days, not unlike today, where it seems unfair. Life feels hard and I relate with these words from Job, “Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? For sighing has become my daily food; my groans pour out like water. What I feared has come upon me, what I dreaded has happened to me .I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil. “ Job 2:23-26 

 

No rest. Only turmoil. Have you ever felt that way? 

 

 

I’m often reminded of the story of Job and can resonate with his heart. I want everything to work out according to my rules and I want to believe that my innocence should be enough for life to go right. Despite how I may feel In a moment, God is ALWAYS sovereign. Job lost sight of God and his mercy when faced with hardship just like I often do. God has done so much more than just what we can see in a moment. More than we can ever know in a lifetime. “For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise” Psalm 47:7. I pray that we remember just how big God is and allow this to reconfigure our hearts towards thankfulness.