From Repentance to Redemption

Quandary Peak from our Spring Break trip

Yesterday I acted terribly to my family – I was grumpy, irritable, desperately needing time alone, and everything they did or said annoyed me.  I argued with Kenny, in front of the kids, and had to apologize and repent.  Why do I feel the need to challenge him when I disagree?  A day later I remember Shelly’s wise words – “Before arguing with your husband, ask yourself, Is this a hill to die on?  Do I want to make this into something it’s not?”  Why couldn’t I remember her words in the moment yesterday?  And, of course, most of the ugly happened on our way home from church.  Lovely.  
 
Today, Kenny and the kids went back to work and school after Spring Break and I was desperate for time with the Lord this morning to regroup and recharge.  I asked Him to guide me – to hear what He wanted me to hear – and I felt I should pull out Slow Lane.  
 
I’ve mentioned before that I’ve read the book cover to cover when it first came out, but have taken much longer to work through the study.  I haven’t rushed it, in true SLOW fashion, and have trusted that the Lord will guide me to finish the study in His time.  And over and over and over again, the Lord brings me to this book just when I need it.  Isn’t God so good to do that?  
 
Today I studied Nehemiah 9, (p.204 for those who have the book) a recounting of the Israelite’s failures over and over again, and a recounting of the Lord’s faithfulness to them, over and over again.  My friend, Monica, also includes a personal story about honey that is a perfect illustration of this chapter.  I cannot tell you how much this passage of scripture encouraged my heart today.  Yesterday I was left feeling yucky and awful over my sin and today the Lord is redeeming it.  I am overwhelmed by the Lord’s great love for us.  
 

Nehemiah 9:17 (ESV)

17 They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.

If you are feeling like your sin is too great for God, I urge you to go to Him with it.  It’s not too big for Him!  Pour out your heart to Him, telling Him every deep and dark secret, and watch Him redeem every bit of it.  He is that good!  He loves you so much and is waiting with arms wide open.  

Nehemiah 9:6

 “You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.

And, if you haven’t gotten a copy of Slow Lane yet, I highly recommend it!  God has used this book over and over again to encourage my heart and I know it will do the same for you.  
 

One thought on “From Repentance to Redemption

  1. Love this and you sweet friend, so grateful for our God who brings us over and over from repentance to redemption!

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