Sweet Redemption

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace”

Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Freedom is found in redemption!

Ever stop to think about all the mistakes you’ve made? I bet some of us can’t count how many wrongs we’ve done. I know I can’t.

It can be easy to look back at the past and pinpoint the mistakes that changed everything. Or maybe it was a collection of bad choices that led to life-altering events.

For me, it was a collection of choices. From one bad choice to the next, I watched my life go downhill. I felt so far from God, yet I knew He was calling me to repentance.

There are days when I tend to look back on the past feeling guilty and shameful for all my mistakes.

Have you felt the same way?

If so, this post is for you!

God has redeemed us! He set us free from all guilt and shame by dying on the cross for our sins. All we have to do is reach out and ask for forgiveness.

“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”

Isaiah‬ ‭44‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Bible tells us that God had swept away our offenses! ALL OF THEM!

When I’m encouraging someone, I can’t help but be reminded of where God has brought me. I look at my past and think of where I was and where I am now. I have hope for the future because God keeps His promises. I am free from guilt and shame because Christ paid the price.

So, yes, we may have a troubled past. However, once we make that choice to live for God, all things are made new!

“Indeed, the former things have come to pass, Now I declare new things; Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”

Isaiah‬ ‭42‬:‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

It’s ok to look back at our past and find encouragement in where God is taking us. He DECLARES that newness will come even with our past.

I’m filled with overwhelming gratitude when I remember the story of the woman who touched the garment of Jesus.

She had great faith that if she just touched a piece of his clothing she would be healed after suffering for 12 years with a bleeding disorder.

“And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”

Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This woman suffered from a health condition for years. She spent money on doctors expecting them to find answers and solutions. To no avail, the doctors couldn’t help her. In fact, she got worse.

“…had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.”

Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Can you imagine the emotional toll this took on her? In those days, with such a condition, she was an outcast from the rest of the community.

“If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, other than at the time of her customary impurity, or if it runs beyond her usual time of impurity, all the days of her unclean discharge shall be as the days of her customary impurity. She shall be unclean.”

Leviticus‬ ‭15‬:‭25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This woman was marked unclean because of her condition.

But God!

The power of Jesus’ redeeming love set her free from the bondage that this condition had her in.

This woman’s story is encouraging in many ways but there’s one that sticks out to me the most.

Her story can serve as a reminder of how Jesus’ redeeming love has washed us clean, just as this woman was made clean by touching the hem of His garment!

Sin can mark us unclean.

Shame, guilt, regret, can cause us to be in bondage because of our uncleanness.

However, no matter what we’ve done or said when we come to Jesus, He has His arms open wide to embrace us and forgive us.

This was only possible because of His sacrifice for us!

What is causing your bondage today?

I encourage you to bring it to God. His redeeming love is open for all to receive it.

Redemption is so sweet!

Happy Resurrection Sunday (Easter)!