From Mess to Message-What is Your Story?

Let's face it.  We all have a story, a messy one.  I have yet to meet a single person who doesn’t have regrets or disappointments.  We’ve all had instances and experiences that we wish we could erase from our past; some of those instances producing uncomfortable or even lifelong consequences.  Furthermore, the old adage, “Hindsight is 20/20,” just confirms the probability of former flawed decisions.  Fortunately, none of us have to remain in the past nor do we have to live with the guilt or shame that may have stemmed.  Romans 8:1-2 tells us, “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” 

It is during this time of Holy Week that we are reminded of the reason Christ died for us.  He died to set us free from the law of sin and death, to give His life as a ransom for many.  Jesus paid our sin debt in full when He shed His blood on the cross.  His death has freed us from our sins and our mistakes, allowing us to take our mess and transform it into our message.  No matter where we’ve been in life and how despicable our stories are, God can use it all for our good.  He tells us this in Romans 8:28, “And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” 

Whether the blemishes in our lives were created by us or by someone else, God will work them for our good.  And no matter how many times we fall short of His glory, we are able to begin again, afresh and anew because we serve a God of restoration and redemption; a God of second chances.  Ephesians 1:7 promises, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” 

Regardless of what our stories are, the Lord is forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call upon Him.  Psalm 107:1-3 declares, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever.  Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story – those He redeemed from the land of the foe, those He gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.”

With God, there are no mishaps, there are no mistakes.  Your story may very well be the light for someone else's dark path.
 

As noted in the song, Blessed Assurance,

This is my story, This is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.