In the hands of our Redeemer...
God does not waste anything.
That's been a phrase I've heard a lot over the past few months. I'm not sure if it's because it's been said more often than usual, or because I've been more aware and grasping for that truth. Regardless of the reasons, the Lord has been faithful and He's continually reminded me of His sovereign and loving hand.
Joel 2:25-26 says, "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust have eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame."
When we take a good look at our lives, we all have things we wish were different. Feelings of guilt and shame flood you when you recall the years of walking in pervasive sexual sin; the twinge of regret is strong when you come face to face with the reality that you loved and lost; deep pain makes it difficult to breathe when you have flashbacks of the mother you lost to cancer or the infant who never made it to childhood; over-analyzing over missed opportunities or unfulfilled expectations can create a deep angst in you that makes sleep an impossible feat. There are things in life that, when look at through human lenses, don't make sense.
But we have a Redeemer.
Jesus Christ restores. Despite our sin, struggle, hurt, pain, frustration, disappointment, angst, He chose to come so that humanity would be restored. He chose to face suffering so we would know there is One who understands. He chose to take on the wrath of God so we, His children, would never full face that. He chose to humble Himself to humanity because of His great love for us.
The hope He offers reaches far beyond our circumstances. In the midst of our circumstances, Jesus is a better word, a better name. Our lives are not wasted; even the days and months and years that are filled with the "why's". They aren't wasted. They will be restored. They will be redeemed.
That is His promise.
That's been a phrase I've heard a lot over the past few months. I'm not sure if it's because it's been said more often than usual, or because I've been more aware and grasping for that truth. Regardless of the reasons, the Lord has been faithful and He's continually reminded me of His sovereign and loving hand.
Joel 2:25-26 says, "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust have eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame."
When we take a good look at our lives, we all have things we wish were different. Feelings of guilt and shame flood you when you recall the years of walking in pervasive sexual sin; the twinge of regret is strong when you come face to face with the reality that you loved and lost; deep pain makes it difficult to breathe when you have flashbacks of the mother you lost to cancer or the infant who never made it to childhood; over-analyzing over missed opportunities or unfulfilled expectations can create a deep angst in you that makes sleep an impossible feat. There are things in life that, when look at through human lenses, don't make sense.
But we have a Redeemer.
Jesus Christ restores. Despite our sin, struggle, hurt, pain, frustration, disappointment, angst, He chose to come so that humanity would be restored. He chose to face suffering so we would know there is One who understands. He chose to take on the wrath of God so we, His children, would never full face that. He chose to humble Himself to humanity because of His great love for us.
The hope He offers reaches far beyond our circumstances. In the midst of our circumstances, Jesus is a better word, a better name. Our lives are not wasted; even the days and months and years that are filled with the "why's". They aren't wasted. They will be restored. They will be redeemed.
That is His promise.
The hurt that broke your heart
And left you trembling in the dark
Feeling lost and alone
Will tell you hope's a lie
But what if every tear you cry
will seed the ground where joy will grow
And nothing is wasted
Nothing is wasted
In the hands of our Redeemer
Nothing is wasted
It's from the deepest wounds
That beauty finds a place to bloom
And you will before the end
That every broken piece
Is gathered in the heart of Jesus
And what's lost will be found again
And nothing is wasted
Nothing is wasted
In the hands of our Redeemer
Nothing is wasted
From the ruins, from the ashes
Beauty will rise
From the wreckage, from the darkness
Glory will shine
-Jason Gray- "Nothing is Wasted"
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