I am thinking of how much Christ loves us and feeling very grateful. My husband and I will celebrate twenty years of marriage next month. Reflecting on that, it seems odd that this ragamuffin, who was raised in poverty with chaos as the only constant, can have contributed to something that has not changed for two decades. Before the age of 18, I experienced two divorces, twelve moves, homelessness, abandonment and familial alcoholism; considering that, a 20th anniversary feels like a surprising bonus. God truly writes straight with crooked lines!Jesus experienced chaos and adversity on earth. He was tempted in the desert, people sought to kill Him, He was run out of town, crowds drained His energy, He was misunderstood, falsely accused, plotted against, chastised for His miracles, and all this was BEFORE the cross! He knows what it's like. He's been there and lived it, and He walks with us through our various trials.
A friend on this journey of faith was in dire financial straits and received an unexpected windfall that will take her through the next two months till her income picks up again. We can never predict what God will do; our second guesses may not be the way He will choose to solve our problems. Things like this serve to remind me that God cares very, very much; He doesn't leave us flailing about without provision and direction, though there are times it feels that way and we must trust through the adversity.
It seems this God of ours is continually in the very serious business of redemption. Though the earth is fallen (and can be a very difficult place to reside), though we are hurt (and hurt one another), He longs to redeem. If we'll accept His help, He'll bring us along at the pace that's possible for us. A speaker at a seminar I attended long ago said that although Jesus is the perfect teacher, we're imperfect beings and we don't always learn quickly.
God is the source of redemption... and redeem He will. Twenty years later, it is nice to look back and see His mercy and provision.
6 comments:
Isn't it a beautiful faith we have in God who takes broken lives and quietly, miraculously redeems with total self-giving love. I do believe that the world would come running to embrace the Church, if they just willing to see and hear. Our God is a humble God! Congratulations on 20 years of marriage and seeing God's loving hand guiding you...it is truly awesome!
Esther- we hardly knew ye...
God has surely transformed you in His Redeemed Image! How blessed are those who are called according to His Plan.
LOVE you
Esther, this is so well stated. Yes indeed, our wonderful God most certainly is in the business of redemption!
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary also...that is a beautiful thing.
Mibsy: Yes! I love your first sentence: "quietly, miraculously redeems... total self-giving love." How true that is! He redeems with humility; I had never thought of it that way before. I have always thought the same thing; if the world understood, they would come bursting through the Church doors.
Lee Anne: I love you, too! God is truly good and we are blessed to be His children.
Sara: Thank you for both your kind words and your congratulations!
This was heartening to read. I am so glad that through Christ, you overcame your hardships and adversities, and have been blessed so abundantly by our Lord....
Excellent post, Esther.
Lavinia: Thank you. :)
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