Redemption

Redepmtion

When we think of redemption we immediately think of our salvation and God's saving grace that has rescued us from well-earned, well-deserved eternal damnation.

Yet there are so many other works of redemption in our daily lives of which we need to stop and take notice. Redemption is to buy back, to get or win back, to free from what distresses or harms, to change for the better; to offset the bad effect of; to make worthwhile.1 When we consider this definition it is easier to see how that which we consider bad actually can have redemptive value.

For example, suffering in which God's purposes are accomplished by further conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ, "offsets the bad effect and makes the 'suffering ' worthwhile." Being pushed beyond our personal limit can be redemptive when it causes us to cease trying and start trusting God. Not being able see the big picture can be redemptive when it causes us to walk by faith rather than sight.

Sharing our story of struggle and sin can be redemptive when it provides us the opportunity to share with others the transforming grace of God in our lives. Our own history of pain and hurt can be redemptive when we share God's comfort and encouragement which we experienced with others that are hurting. Conflict can be redemptive when it causes us to look at the sinfulness of our own hearts and compels us to run to the cross.

There is nothing beyond the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. So no matter how desperate your situation looks today, you are not without hope because God can redeem anything. Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK

1www.merriamwebster.com accessed 7 7 08