Redeemed

I am going to be 59 this week, and I have been faithfully submitted to the Lordship of Christ for more than 50 years. Have I always represented Him well? No. Has He always been faithful to His promises? Yes, indeed yes. What marks me is not my frail and sometimes faulty obedience. What marks me is His unfailing love. I am forgiven. I am redeemed. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus….” (Romans 8:1a NKJV)

Being forgiven and redeemed does not mean freedom from the dailiness of life on planet Earth. It does mean freedom in my soul from frustration and bitterness. Truly believing Jesus is the key to contentment and joy amidst the daily struggles of parenting, staying gainfully employed, stewarding the resources of home and environment, being culturally and politically relevant, and maintaining healthy loving relationships within a community.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18 NKJV) While I live my daily life, learning obedience through the things I suffer, I am also learning His ways, getting to know His heart and character, and being transformed by His Word. Living a redeemed life is not a destination. It is a journey of discovery — the discovery of who I am and also Whose I am. Dailiness teaches me the consistency and constancy of devotion, and true devotion survives the mundane. It weathers the fiercest storm.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV) Notice the word “all” in this verse. I happen to believe it actually means ALL. There is no thing in this life that is excluded from His rule and authority, and there is no thing He cannot work out, work in, work through, or work together. Not only is He Lord of all, He is also all powerful. And still, His love never fails.

Half a century into my story, which is really His story, I love Him more today than I did yesterday, and I see Him more clearly with each passing day. He has captured my heart and is worthy of all my devotion.

Until next week, dear one, live a redeemed life…every day.