Redemption Wins I

Can I tell you just a little bit about my story of redemption? To get the whole story, you've got to know it doesn't begin and end with how or when I got saved, that is, when I asked Jesus into my heart. That is the number one decision anyone can make, but that's just where the redemption journey begins! It is with out a doubt a lifelong experience that Jesus wants to take with you! I'll start with a natural example that just begins to scratch the surface of what trusting Jesus has done for me.

Yearbook picture, 1988

In college we had a required amount of exercise per week. At the end of the semester came the fitness test. I recall showing up at the indoor track at the appointed time for my mile run. Back then I wasn't overweight, but to say I was athletic would be a stretch! Our coach stood ready with timer in hand and told me when to begin. I took off best I could trying to concentrate and keep a good pace. As I rounded the track there was a window where students who were passing by could see part of the track. As I approached I noticed a certain guy standing there chatting with a friend. I'm thinking, keep your head down, he won't see you. Too late. He looked me straight in the eye rather surprised, then hollered, "Go Angelia!" Oh Great! All a girl wants is to be watched while she's huffing, puffing and sweating! As embarrassed as I was, it was great motivation to keep going...and fast! Each time I came around the track he was there cheering me on. I ran the best time I ever had and even beat another girl's time who was much more fit than me. Encouragement and motivation go a long way to helping us finish strong! LOL

It may sound crazy that this is how I feel about the concept of Redemption. Redemption often comes along beside me and runs the race with me, giving me the strength to keep going.  I come around a hard place in life, huffing and puffing and there He is on the sidelines, watching and cheering me on.  It's Jesus, He's our Redeemer. He redeems, or you could say, makes new. Redemption is what comes as the result of Jesus coming along side us.  He desires to be with you through everything you will ever face; sickness, fear, worry, financial struggles, family battles, work related circumstances... the list is endless, but so is His love.

May I tell you, it works for your grief too. Over the past 6 years the Lord has given me so many undeniable and very tangible examples of His love for me. It is just second nature to look for, welcome, and expect Jesus to redeem my situations. As I continually give whatever it is over to Him, (Easier said than done, yes! Key word, continually!) He remains true to His Word and redeems or brings something good from each difficult situation. That's what He does because that's who He is!

So when I feel too weary to keep going, I'm physically drained or experiencing a tough "spiritual run" that has made me weary in spirit and body... I follow my Redeemer's lead. I get in step with Him and listen for His voice to guide and encourage me. I always run my "best time" with Him!

I laugh remembering that fitness test. I would probably collapse if I ran like that today! My mile time would not even be close. Yet I am thankful that nearly 30 years later, I can look back and see how God was working my redemption story even then. A huge part of it began while in college and I wouldn't know it until many years later.

The year was 1988. I was 18 and just finishing up my first year of Bible college. There were several missions trips planned for the summer. Prayerfully, students could choose any trip they could raise money for and that worked in their schedule. There was also a interview with a faculty member. It was mostly formality, but necessary to the process. It was an honor to get to go.

From the very beginning, without hardly looking at the list, I knew I wanted to go to Africa. God just put that desire on my heart. I didn't have a friend who was begging me to go with, nor did I know of a certain missionary that had been there. It was just a knowing. Africa was my choice.

I'll never forget when I entered the office for my interview. The man who I was meeting was sitting at his desk, but it was behind a petition. I couldn't see him, but he could see me. As I stepped in the room, he called out, "Hello Angelia! Welcome to Africa!" My heart leaped! I was surprised to hear him, but mostly it was my spirit that leaped. I felt a unique excitement and anticipation like never before. God was going to do BIG things!! I just knew it.

Little did I know, it would actually be 24 years before I would step foot in Africa and God was going to do something I never would have imagined!!....

to be continued....