From Rebel to Redeemed
Have you ever thought that you knew better than God?
I spent a lifetime thinking I knew best and refusing to even consult him on matters. When I first met my ex, God tried to get my attention. He and everyone else wanted to warn me that I was being deceived, but I refused to hear it. Short of striking me with lightening, He did everything He could to stop me from the path I’d chosen. I thought I knew best and told Him that I could not live without this person and my rebellion only grew.
WHAT A MISTAKE!!!! It did not take me long to realize that my judgment was wrong. Unfortunately, I’d set myself on that path and it took me three years to change my circumstances. During that time I grew so much stronger in my walk and rededicated my life and heart to Christ. Looking back I realize he was holding me the entire time and protecting me. That is why I say I went from being a rebel to redeemed.
One of the best known people to go from rebel {or wretch} to redeemed was John Newton, author of the well loved hymn Amazing Grace. He went from the Captain of a slave boat to a well loved Minister and hymn writer.
We are told that God’s ways are not our ways and his time is not our time. It is hard in our human nature to sit and wait patiently. We want things when we want them, often not realizing the ways God are working until we can look back in hindsight. There are many things He does that we’ll never understand.
What I do know is God loves us and wants only the best for us. He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
It’s usually through these trials that we grow as a person, as well as in our faith. So what can you do:
1. Pray and ask God for guidance and direction throughout the day. He wants you to pour your heart out to Him.
2. Study your Bible
3. Ask God to pave the way
4. Listen to the little nudging
5. Ask God if this nudging is His Will
6. If it is His will, then take the next step and act on it
When times are tough and you feel all alone, He is still there and hears your prayers. Ask him what he is trying to teach you in the moment and take the opportunity to learn and grow as you wait. 2 Peter 3:9 says “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
God does not want us to be rebellious, but to lean on Him. I know, I know, it’s so hard to do that. There are times when I still struggle with it, but I find things go so much better when I seek His advice and yield to His will. He will show you the path he wants you on, it just may not be in your time period. John 14:15 tells us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” What are you waiting for Him to answer you on? Are you being rebellious about it or submitting to his will?
Thank you for sharing Leagh. I was a religious rebel until Jesus redeemed me. So much better to have a close relationship than religion without knowing Him. Praise God, he doesn’t forget us, butbwaits til we are ready to come back home…then he runs to meet us and welcome back home.
Thanks again for sharing.
Glenda, I’m so thankful that he’ll wait for us and will be patient. His love is unfailing and he’s waiting for all of us rebels to come to Him.
Thank you for your transparency. Until we come to the cross we all live the same way…self-centered, prideful, and with a heart bent on our own way.
After the cross, we may still have moments of pride and self-centeredness, but if we truly love Him, our hearts are different. Still sinful at times, still wanting our own way at times, but deep inside, wanting to want what He wants for us.
Blessings, sweet friend!
Vonda, you state it so eloquently. I’m so thankful for the cross and Jesus sacrifice, but you’re right there are times when I still struggle with wanting my own way.
It was great to see you yesterday!