The God Who Redeems

As part of a sermon illustration, I walked toward the beautiful painting an artist had been creating on the platform and made a dark streak across the middle of it. The congregation gasped in horror. The artist simply stood by and watched as I defaced what she’d created. Then, selecting a new brush, she lovingly transformed the ruined painting into an exquisite work of art.

Her restorative work reminds me of the work God can perform in our lives when we’ve made a mess of them. The prophet Isaiah rebuked the people of Israel for their spiritual blindness and deafness (Isaiah 42:18–19), but then he proclaimed the hope of God’s deliverance and redemption: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you” (43:1). He can do the same for us. Even after we’ve sinned, if we confess our sins and turn to God, He forgives and restores us (vv. 5–7; see 1 John 1:9). We can’t bring beauty out of the mess, but Jesus can. The good news of the gospel is that He has redeemed us by His blood. The book of Revelation assures us that in the end, Christ will dry our tears, redeem our past, and make all things new (Revelation 21:4–5).

We have a limited vision of our story. But God who knows us “by name” (Isaiah 43:1) will make our lives more beautiful than we could ever imagine. If you’ve been redeemed by faith in Jesus, your story, like the painting, has a glorious ending.

Reflect: How have you messed up? What has God provided for your restoration and redemption?

Pray: Dear Jesus, thank You for never giving up on me. I surrender to You and ask that You please redeem what I’ve ruined.

Published by 5thgenerationgirl

Tammy Wynette is a mother of three and a “G-MA” (grandma). Born in Warren, Arkansas, she currently resides in Sacramento, CA and is pursuing an AA degree in English at American River College, with plans to transfer to California State University, Sacramento (Sac State). She is an active leader and role model in her community, she works with teens sharing and teaching poetry, as well as providing insight for young parents to prosper. She has certificate from NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) and is a trailblazer & Griot, keeper of stories/traditions passed down from her ancestors. As an Author and motivational speaker it’d be an honor to present at your events to inspire, encourage & let our VOICES be heard! She has short stories and poems published in Our Black Mothers Brave, Bold and Beautiful! View more posts

14 thoughts on “The God Who Redeems”

the miracle of life

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Pingback: The God Who Redeems – Tonya LaLonde

vocation for each and every nation

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Singing “Redeemed how I love to proclaim it”

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While I don’t intentionally set out to mess up, it’s always comforting to know that we are all humans and imperfect – and failure or messing up is often not fatal. And there is grace and mercy and chance to redeem ourselves.

Hope you have a nice weekend, Tammy! 🙏

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5thgenerationgirl says:

January 14, 2023 at 2:52 pm

I agree!
Enjoy your weekend as well, we’re still dealing with back to back storms here. Great time to reflect.

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1. Ab says:
  
  January 15, 2023 at 6:09 am
  
  Hope the storms pass soon, Tammy. But yes, storms provide wonderful moments for reflection.
  
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2. 5thgenerationgirl says:
  
  January 15, 2023 at 6:54 am
  
  🥰
  
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