Finding God’s Redemptive Power in Today
Certainly we’ve all heard that God is our Redeemer. We know Christ came to save us. We know He paid it all. And, we know we will never be the same.
This is the basis of Christianity.
But, do we understand the depths of this redemptive power? Do we grab hold of it like a rock climber nearing the top of a mountain harness-free? Do we grip on to the name Redeemer as if our life depended on it?
Lately, my son has been on a personal quest to disobey. It seems that every instruction from me is an opportunity to flex his “my way” muscle, sending my frustration levels sky high as I try to balance grace with a stern face. This road can be so hard to walk.
Many days, I aim to step up in courage, only to end up feeling discouraged. I aim to act my best, but act like someone I detest.
Difficult moments mount on difficult moments. And what seem like meaningless small encounters add up to a huge hurting heart.
If I actually acknowledged my heart condition, I would run to God to ask for help. But, I don’t. I don’t because I feel like a burden. I don’t because I don’t want to bother God with what I call the mundane things of my daily life. I don’t because I feel I should be able to handle this on my own.
This isn’t a big thing. It’s not saving people, it’s not serving, it’s not giving. In my mind, I say – “It’s not much.”
We all have “not much” moments, don’t we?
People who get under our skin. Traffic. A person who judges. Kids that don’t “get it.” Work issues. Financial concerns. A quick retort from our spouse. Delays. Mishaps. Issues. Things we know are small, but tend to grow big in our minds.
These “not much” things end up impacting our hearts much.
Somehow, we think God doesn’t care about little molehills. Like they aren’t part of His great plan. We feel guilty that we can’t handle them. We try to clear room for God so He can manage the big things – as if He were our boss.
But, let me tell you something – Molehill problems, left unaddressed, have a way of turning into mountains that tower over us. Mountains that leave us cowering below the height of the issue before us.
In my life God has broken huge chains, unhinged high walls, recovered stolen goods, bought me with a price and fulfilled His promises to me.
He has shown up as Redeemer in a big way. He has transformed me and saved me from myself. He has taken a girl who was hopeless and made her hopeful. I’m so humbled by this redemption.
But, this gets me to wondering…
Why do I gravitate to trusting Him in the extraordinary, yet forget Him in the ordinary?
Because the fact of the matter is that God doesn’t change. He remains the same. He is who He is. He is the great I AM.
He is not the great “I AM, sometimes” or the great “I AM in big things.”
I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'” Revelation 1:8 (NIV)
In all things. In all ways. At all times. Forever. God IS a Redeemer.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
The real problem is not with God’s redemption, but with my perception.
Because He stands ready to redeem the seemingly inconsequential, the nondescript, the everyday ordinary passing moments – and He stands ready all-the-time.
You see, He hasn’t just redeemed us for eternity; God has redeemed us in life’s normalcy.
He hasn’t just redeemed us from huge issues; God has redeemed us in today’s issues.
He hasn’t just redeemed us from torment; God has redeemed us for the moment.
What does this mean?
This means He is continually redeeming. Always renewing. Constantly helping. Consistently overcoming.
We can let go of our anxieties, our control, our mounting worries – because He is in the process of redeeming us! Thank you, Jesus our Redeemer.
Just turn to Him. Turn. Jesus will help us to change, grow and get past the small obstacles that stand before us. He will equip us to climb any molehill better than we could ever attempt to do.
The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.” Psalm 34:22 (NIV)
His greatest work is not only done in the big things, but in the midst of a day’s ordinary struggles. This is where life happens – and this is where God is – the great I AM.
In our worst moments, in our tense moments, in our “we want to cry” moments, we are wise to remember – Jesus has ALREADY redeemed these moments.
The question is – will we choose to believe this – and let Him save the day?
– Kelly
*This post is the 4th of 8 in the “Names of God” series.
This series birthed from a “Names of God” Adorenament set my family and I love. So, I’m giving away a set of these ornaments next week on Wednesday, December 24. Subscribe to my blog via email (box at the top of the right hand column) to be entered to win! And come back all week for more giveaways!
Amen, Sister! There is no problem go big or to small to take before him. I am learning this too. Your son and mine sound like they are cut from the same cloth. 😉 Lately, he fights me on everything. And I do mean everything. Not only that, I am potty training him…oh yes. I. am. so. tired. We can do this! With God’s strength, and not our own. Thanks for sharing this. Such an important message here that many need to hear, including me.
Abby, it can be so hard sometimes, can’t it? I am preaching this blog post right to myself as I go along. Christ loves us so much. He knows our daily struggle. There is so much encouragement in that. Thanks for reading, friend! It is always a joy to see your comments. 😉
Yes… “His greatest work is…in the midst of a day’s ordinary struggles…” So so true! Love this post, and the entire series.
Thanks Angela! I couldn’t agree more. This series Rocks!!!
Great post! It took me many years to get to this truth, and even now, I sometimes fail to go to Him 1st. Your works are a much needed reminder to turn to God for the big and small and to do it 1st, not after I’ve tried my own feeble fixes.
I completely understand Linda. If we can go to him first, we will save ourselves so much trouble and heart ache. I hope that you see him in all the little things…