July 9, 2010 in Faith,Redemption with 240 Comments

Your Redemption Story-Continued

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Yesterday, I read this tweet by my friend Lindsey:

“Do ever think a/b how crazy blogging is? You write something, anything. Then folks gather around & enrich it by adding their voice. I like”

That got me thinking. Each week Trisha and I try to be faithful to the vision of RefineUs by sharing God’s story of redemption with you. But what if everyone shared their stories today? What if at the end of the day today, this post is not just a post, but it is a singular story of God’s redemption in the lives of his people?

Maybe it’s the redemption of a friendship, a job, a dream, an addiction, a marriage, the loss of a child, the birth of a child, an inability to have kids, an adoption, a redeemed relationship with a parent or sibling…

Whatever hope rising through a hopeless situation looks like in your life, would you share it?

So, share your story of redemption, then Tweet and Facebook it to get the word out so others can share.

Check back throughout the day to see how many different ways God brings redemption to our lives.

Ready…Set…Go!

About Justin and Trisha:

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http://intensedebate.com/people/JuliaKate JuliaKate

i've been thinking lately about sharing my story on my blog, but haven't really known how to go about it. i think i can tend to over-complicate the storytelling, when it really comes down to this:
Raised in Church, but not by the Church. PK, DK, MK, youngest of 3 & bi-racial parents. my mom came from an abusive/alcoholic home, my dad from a silent/indifferent home. i was sexually abused by a relative when i was child and i have little memory of it, and little to no memory of my youngest years at all. i've been singing solos in the church since i was a kid, even in the adult choir as a pre-teen. i was a tool for the church, little white girl who sang like Mahalia Jackson. they used me… a lot. i grew up in a mostly african-american neighborhood in Miami. my father was extremely fearful for my safety and i wasn't allowed to play in the front yard & was rarely allowed to go to friends' houses since most of them lived in the city projects. this was their mission field (we moved there when i was 6 mths old from Los Angeles). we had no relatives in Florida, so furloughed missionaries became our family.
i went to a christian school because there were riots at the public schools. my grandmother paid. it was a southern baptist, we were AG. i have a well-known uncle that was a healing evangelist internationally and that brought on lots of persecution at school.
when my parents decided to leave the church we attended for 19 years, vicious rumors were spread and the leadership did everything they could so that my parents could never be on staff in that city again. we started going to calvary chapel fort lauderdale… it was quite refreshing.
A couple of years later, my grandmother died, left an inheritance, and we moved back to Cali. we started serving in churches. i chose a small, cult-like church… i had no idea i had such vulnerable tendencies and the rest of my family started doing what they do… guest speaking at churches, conferences, etc. i experienced more spiritual abuse at the cult church and stayed for 7 years. i began to think i was crazy. i remember the night i planned my suicide, i cried myself to sleep and had a dream about my funeral. i woke up with a peace i had never experienced before, put on Lauren Hill's "I Get out" and gathered my belongings (i lived on campus at the church). i got in my car and left. [Since then I have served in 2 other churches (more unpleasant experiences) and 2 years in france as a missionary (amazing growth).]
my redemption story is that i had no identity. i never knew where i fit. i went to find my identity in the church (time & time again) and they mishandled, used, & abused me. The church made me feel “crazy” & the church was my biggest abuser. but God, through all of this, has revealed who i am in Him, apart from the system/institution. i have also grown to love the Church again and to return, gifts in hand, heart softened. it's like, their goofiness may never end, but we are here to serve the purposes of God within the Church or if necessary, without the church. i am looking and hoping and praying and wanting to reconnect. I have anxiety about returning sometimes, but I am no longer looking for them to rescue me, place me, or grow me… I am just looking for a community of authentic people to live out my story with.

My recent post Church Rehab with Dr. Drew

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

JuliaKate…on behalf of The Church, I am sorry for all of the hurt and abuse and brokenness you have experienced. I am so thankful that you have found hope and restoration in your relationship with Christ. I will be praying that you find a community of authenticity.

http://intensedebate.com/people/JuliaKate JuliaKate

thank you for your encouragement and thank you for sharing your story with authenticity… it gives me hope and many others, i am sure;)
My recent post Church Rehab with Dr. Drew

paulaswift

Wow – it's amazing how many stories like this we've heard in the past couple of years… and thank you for sharing this!!! Growing up in the church, I saw so much of this and my heart aches for those who have left with no return.
You have an amazing story of redemption – that you could see through this to what God was doing in your life. You are, unfortunately, one of few who endure this and continue to live their life for Christ.
This is a powerful testament… use this to reach the countless numbers of those turned off by the church – I fear there are more of them out there than we can even imagine!

http://intensedebate.com/people/JuliaKate JuliaKate

this is a portion of my story, but thank God the story continues. i am fully aware of the many that have left the Church and refuse to return, some think i'm a gluten for abuse. but the truth is, i have found a new perspective on who the church is and how i can partner without allowing further damage. since i've learned this, i have served at some decent churches… i avoided politics as much as possible and just did a work and utilized their resources. until recently i was pioneering a "social justice" ministry (local & international) at a church of 10,000. we were given a budget of about $80 a month, but we had a great team and we found ways to do a work. it's tough when you know each light on the rotating stage costs nearly $25,000 & your budget is less than a meal for 2 at Houstons. then my brother got fired (youth worship/media director) for a blog he had written about the condition of the western church… and instead of getting hurt, angry, or disillusioned, i just gracefully resigned. to continue healthy, it's what i had to do. and that's where i'm at now. i've been in church leadership for 17 years and i'm only 32. God chose the Church as His way of getting things done. i will never discount that or turn my back on that. i just had to get to a place where i wasn't looking for them to give me my worth or identity. it's a healthier perspective.
God has brought many people to my path that have been deeply damaged by the church and many of them were able to see His Church again in a whole new way. i refuse to play along with unrighteousness, but i will show up and do what i have been commissioned to do as long as God allows.
thank you for your encouragement. i am excited to see what's next!
My recent post Church Rehab with Dr. Drew

http://intensedebate.com/people/JuliaKate JuliaKate
http://intensedebate.com/people/JuliaKate JuliaKate

i've been thinking lately about sharing my story on my blog, but haven't really known how to go about it. i think i can tend to over-complicate the storytelling, when it really comes down to this:
Raised in Church, but not by the Church. PK, DK, MK, youngest of 3 & bi-racial parents. my mom came from an abusive/alcoholic home, my dad from a silent/indifferent home. i was sexually abused by a relative when i was child and i have little memory of it, and little to no memory of my youngest years at all. i've been singing solos in the church since i was a kid, even in the adult choir as a pre-teen. i was a tool for the church, little white girl who sang like Mahalia Jackson. they used me… a lot. i grew up in a mostly african-american neighborhood in Miami. my father was extremely fearful for my safety and i wasn't allowed to play in the front yard & was rarely allowed to go to friends' houses since most of them lived in the city projects. this was their mission field (we moved there when i was 6 mths old from Los Angeles). we had no relatives in Florida, so furloughed missionaries became our family.
i went to a christian school because there were riots at the public schools. my grandmother paid. it was a southern baptist, we were AG. i have a well-known uncle that was a healing evangelist internationally and that brought on lots of persecution at school.
when my parents decided to leave the church we attended for 19 years, vicious rumors were spread and the leadership did everything they could so that my parents could never be on staff in that city again. we started going to calvary chapel fort lauderdale… it was quite refreshing.
A couple of years later, my grandmother died, left an inheritance, and we moved back to Cali. we started serving in churches. i chose a small, cult-like church… i had no idea i had such vulnerable tendencies and the rest of my family started doing what they do… guest speaking at churches, conferences, etc. i experienced more spiritual abuse at the cult church and stayed for 7 years. i began to think i was crazy. i remember the night i planned my suicide, i cried myself to sleep and had a dream about my funeral. i woke up with a peace i had never experienced before, put on Lauren Hill's "I Get out" and gathered my belongings (i lived on campus at the church). i got in my car and left. [Since then I have served in 2 other churches (more unpleasant experiences) and 2 years in france as a missionary (amazing growth).]
my redemption story is that i had no identity. i never knew where i fit. i went to find my identity in the church (time & time again) and they mishandled, used, & abused me. The church made me feel “crazy” & the church was my biggest abuser. but God, through all of this, has revealed who i am in Him, apart from the system/institution. i have also grown to love the Church again and to return, gifts in hand, heart softened. it's like, their goofiness may never end, but we are here to serve the purposes of God within the Church or if necessary, without the church. i am looking and hoping and praying and wanting to reconnect. I have anxiety about returning sometimes, but I am no longer looking for them to rescue me, place me, or grow me… I am just looking for a community of authentic people to live out my story with.

My recent post Church Rehab with Dr. Drew

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

JuliaKate…on behalf of The Church, I am sorry for all of the hurt and abuse and brokenness you have experienced. I am so thankful that you have found hope and restoration in your relationship with Christ. I will be praying that you find a community of authenticity.

http://intensedebate.com/people/JuliaKate JuliaKate

thank you for your encouragement and thank you for sharing your story with authenticity… it gives me hope and many others, i am sure;)
My recent post Church Rehab with Dr. Drew

paulaswift

Wow – it's amazing how many stories like this we've heard in the past couple of years… and thank you for sharing this!!! Growing up in the church, I saw so much of this and my heart aches for those who have left with no return.
You have an amazing story of redemption – that you could see through this to what God was doing in your life. You are, unfortunately, one of few who endure this and continue to live their life for Christ.
This is a powerful testament… use this to reach the countless numbers of those turned off by the church – I fear there are more of them out there than we can even imagine!

http://intensedebate.com/people/JuliaKate JuliaKate

this is a portion of my story, but thank God the story continues. i am fully aware of the many that have left the Church and refuse to return, some think i'm a gluten for abuse. but the truth is, i have found a new perspective on who the church is and how i can partner without allowing further damage. since i've learned this, i have served at some decent churches… i avoided politics as much as possible and just did a work and utilized their resources. until recently i was pioneering a "social justice" ministry (local & international) at a church of 10,000. we were given a budget of about $80 a month, but we had a great team and we found ways to do a work. it's tough when you know each light on the rotating stage costs nearly $25,000 & your budget is less than a meal for 2 at Houstons. then my brother got fired (youth worship/media director) for a blog he had written about the condition of the western church… and instead of getting hurt, angry, or disillusioned, i just gracefully resigned. to continue healthy, it's what i had to do. and that's where i'm at now. i've been in church leadership for 17 years and i'm only 32. God chose the Church as His way of getting things done. i will never discount that or turn my back on that. i just had to get to a place where i wasn't looking for them to give me my worth or identity. it's a healthier perspective.
God has brought many people to my path that have been deeply damaged by the church and many of them were able to see His Church again in a whole new way. i refuse to play along with unrighteousness, but i will show up and do what i have been commissioned to do as long as God allows.
thank you for your encouragement. i am excited to see what's next!
My recent post Church Rehab with Dr. Drew

http://www.anewlifehartz.blogspot.com Lindsey @ A New Life

This is awesome–can't wait to read everyone's posts. Here is our redemption story of how God saved us and restored a marriage destroyed by infidelity and dysfunction as shared on my sweet friend Serena's blog Grace is for Sinners:
http://www.graceisforsinners.com/life/lost-lindse… http://www.graceisforsinners.com/life/foundlindse… http://www.graceisforsinners.com/life/joshs-part-…

And our video testimony http://anewlifehartz.blogspot.com/2008/08/our-sto…

Blessings~
Lindsey

My recent post Confession

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

Love your story of redemption Lindsey! Thank you for sharing it with us!

http://www.anewlifehartz.blogspot.com Lindsey @ A New Life

This is awesome–can't wait to read everyone's posts. Here is our redemption story of how God saved us and restored a marriage destroyed by infidelity and dysfunction as shared on my sweet friend Serena's blog Grace is for Sinners:
http://www.graceisforsinners.com/life/lost-lindse… http://www.graceisforsinners.com/life/foundlindse… http://www.graceisforsinners.com/life/joshs-part-…

And our video testimony http://anewlifehartz.blogspot.com/2008/08/our-sto…

Blessings~
Lindsey

My recent post Confession

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

Love your story of redemption Lindsey! Thank you for sharing it with us!

http://godisdoinganewthing.blogspot.com Heidi

God has redeemed the years the locusts had eaten…15 of them for our marriage and 30 of them for my husband. Ten years ago he disclosed his sexual addiction. He wasn't *caught* (thankfully) and I figured I would kill him, kill me and ask all my questions in heaven later. But God reached down into the miry pit and pulled us both out, both fallen creatures, both needy for his touch, both actually desperate for this very heartache that we might experience his great salvation. My husband put into action a recovery plan–he had to or he could not live with us. Sexual addiction is progressive like any addiction and he understood that there was a danger to our children raised in a home where they might be molested or worse. Also, I didn't feel God would want me to risk my life for potential STDs. I knew that the Lord wanted us to remain together *if* we could be whole. IF we could recover. He took us on a long road together–one we have walked arm in arm (and continue to walk). Sometimes struggling, but always reaching out to Him, like the bleeding woman who grasped at Jesus' robe in the dirt. I can sometimes crunch the dirt in my teeth, in fact….if only I…could…grasp…Jesus…God has REDEEMED! My husband and I have an openness and closeness that I always *thought* we had before (we taught marriage Bible studies), but didn't. He has used this to help us process so much *other* pain…like *why* did hubby head into this addiction? Those things needed to be brought to the surface. Why did I marry someone who had the profile of an addict? Hubby is a kind, loving man, but he was doing the dual life and there were warning signs… God has redeemed. I am repeating myself! My pride wants me to edit this properly, but I can't…I must run out the door, yet he wants anyone brave enough to read this ramble to know HE REDEEMS!!!! Praise you, Lord!
My recent post Are You Stuck in the Performance Rut?

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

Heidi…thank you for your honesty in sharing something that so many couples struggle with but don't talk about. I'm so thankful that God has brought redemption and restoration to you and your family!

http://godisdoinganewthing.blogspot.com Heidi

God has redeemed the years the locusts had eaten…15 of them for our marriage and 30 of them for my husband. Ten years ago he disclosed his sexual addiction. He wasn't *caught* (thankfully) and I figured I would kill him, kill me and ask all my questions in heaven later. But God reached down into the miry pit and pulled us both out, both fallen creatures, both needy for his touch, both actually desperate for this very heartache that we might experience his great salvation. My husband put into action a recovery plan–he had to or he could not live with us. Sexual addiction is progressive like any addiction and he understood that there was a danger to our children raised in a home where they might be molested or worse. Also, I didn't feel God would want me to risk my life for potential STDs. I knew that the Lord wanted us to remain together *if* we could be whole. IF we could recover. He took us on a long road together–one we have walked arm in arm (and continue to walk). Sometimes struggling, but always reaching out to Him, like the bleeding woman who grasped at Jesus' robe in the dirt. I can sometimes crunch the dirt in my teeth, in fact….if only I…could…grasp…Jesus…God has REDEEMED! My husband and I have an openness and closeness that I always *thought* we had before (we taught marriage Bible studies), but didn't. He has used this to help us process so much *other* pain…like *why* did hubby head into this addiction? Those things needed to be brought to the surface. Why did I marry someone who had the profile of an addict? Hubby is a kind, loving man, but he was doing the dual life and there were warning signs… God has redeemed. I am repeating myself! My pride wants me to edit this properly, but I can't…I must run out the door, yet he wants anyone brave enough to read this ramble to know HE REDEEMS!!!! Praise you, Lord!
My recent post Are You Stuck in the Performance Rut?

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

Heidi…thank you for your honesty in sharing something that so many couples struggle with but don't talk about. I'm so thankful that God has brought redemption and restoration to you and your family!

http://anthemofpraise.wordpress.com Randi

My story crunched down…

Grew up in a home where my parents were there but not there;
mom depressed, Dad who blamed his issues on my moms depression – sleeping around, alcohol, working non-stop, major anger issues.

Sexually abused for the first time at 12 by one of my older brothers friends. Got involved with drinking and sleeping around. Attended church with a friend growing up. Accepted Christ at 13 but didn’t know what living for Him meant so I kept drinking and sleeping around.
Eventually I stopped and focussed on Christ.. Or at least thought I was.

Attended bible college.

Moved away from home (more like ran away) and gave up on my faith when I had no idea how to deal with circumstances. Got involved even heavier into drinking and sleeping around. Seems to deal with the hopelessness and pain I felt, I filled it with more of the same “junk”. Involved in a relationship that I had NO business AT ALL being involved in, splitting up a marriage (thIs is where the tears flow).

Once again I ran.

I spent 8 months curled up on a couch depressed. Until God finally broke me enough that I was able to feel His embrace. I didn’t, and still don’t, deserve His grace.

Five months later I was offered a position as a worship leader at a church plant on the other side of the country. God directed my paths and i now find myself working at a homeless shelter. He’s brought me through so much and is using that to reach out to others who are hurting, dealing with the same “junk” that i have, and point them to Christ.

Have I been made perfect? No. Not even close. There is still alot of hate and unforgivness towards my parents and those who abused me as a teen… that God is taking me through bit by bit. And truth is I continued (continue?) finding myself in relationships seeking that intimacy I’ve been craving since being a child. I got pregnant. Lost my baby. This is where I found myself crying out to God like never before. I still do. There’s no other way to deal with the wounds and scars than to let God work on em.

I suppose I share all that to say this…. God has redeemed alot of my past. He’s taken some of the deepest hurts and craters in my heart and used it for His glory… by His grace. But there is alot (unfortuneately) that needs work on in my life. I’m so thankful that God is a God who redeems. God is a God of improbabilities and impossibilities. God is a God who can take this messed up life and use it for Him. My redemption story is still in motion….

Im just so thankful for His forgiveness, grace, mercy and redeeming love.

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

Wow! Your story is so heartbreaking and so hope inspiring all at the same time. Thank you, thank you thank you for sharing so openly and honestly. We are praying for you!

http://www.anthemofpraise.wordpress.com Randi

Pray it's more hope inspiring than heartbreaking. There's a lot of "junk" in there but the good that's come of it and the realization of who God is even in the midst of it all when I'm so unfaithful… there's no love like it.

I blogged about this verse a couple of days ago, which has become my new "life verse" – “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:10.

God has given me a lot of grace. He’s shown me mercy. Love. Forgiveness. I don’t want His grace toward me to be worthless and of no value. He’s brought me too far, bestowed far too much grace and mercy, for me to stay silent.

Thanks for your ministry Justin and Trisha; teaching people like me that it's ok to talk about your past, and in fact it can all be used for good. It can be redeemed.

Praying for you folks as well.

http://anthemofpraise.wordpress.com Randi

My story crunched down…

Grew up in a home where my parents were there but not there;
mom depressed, Dad who blamed his issues on my moms depression – sleeping around, alcohol, working non-stop, major anger issues.

Sexually abused for the first time at 12 by one of my older brothers friends. Got involved with drinking and sleeping around. Attended church with a friend growing up. Accepted Christ at 13 but didn’t know what living for Him meant so I kept drinking and sleeping around.
Eventually I stopped and focussed on Christ.. Or at least thought I was.

Attended bible college.

Moved away from home (more like ran away) and gave up on my faith when I had no idea how to deal with circumstances. Got involved even heavier into drinking and sleeping around. Seems to deal with the hopelessness and pain I felt, I filled it with more of the same “junk”. Involved in a relationship that I had NO business AT ALL being involved in, splitting up a marriage (thIs is where the tears flow).

Once again I ran.

I spent 8 months curled up on a couch depressed. Until God finally broke me enough that I was able to feel His embrace. I didn’t, and still don’t, deserve His grace.

Five months later I was offered a position as a worship leader at a church plant on the other side of the country. God directed my paths and i now find myself working at a homeless shelter. He’s brought me through so much and is using that to reach out to others who are hurting, dealing with the same “junk” that i have, and point them to Christ.

Have I been made perfect? No. Not even close. There is still alot of hate and unforgivness towards my parents and those who abused me as a teen… that God is taking me through bit by bit. And truth is I continued (continue?) finding myself in relationships seeking that intimacy I’ve been craving since being a child. I got pregnant. Lost my baby. This is where I found myself crying out to God like never before. I still do. There’s no other way to deal with the wounds and scars than to let God work on em.

I suppose I share all that to say this…. God has redeemed alot of my past. He’s taken some of the deepest hurts and craters in my heart and used it for His glory… by His grace. But there is alot (unfortuneately) that needs work on in my life. I’m so thankful that God is a God who redeems. God is a God of improbabilities and impossibilities. God is a God who can take this messed up life and use it for Him. My redemption story is still in motion….

Im just so thankful for His forgiveness, grace, mercy and redeeming love.

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

Wow! Your story is so heartbreaking and so hope inspiring all at the same time. Thank you, thank you thank you for sharing so openly and honestly. We are praying for you!

http://www.anthemofpraise.wordpress.com Randi

Pray it's more hope inspiring than heartbreaking. There's a lot of "junk" in there but the good that's come of it and the realization of who God is even in the midst of it all when I'm so unfaithful… there's no love like it.

I blogged about this verse a couple of days ago, which has become my new "life verse" – “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:10.

God has given me a lot of grace. He’s shown me mercy. Love. Forgiveness. I don’t want His grace toward me to be worthless and of no value. He’s brought me too far, bestowed far too much grace and mercy, for me to stay silent.

Thanks for your ministry Justin and Trisha; teaching people like me that it's ok to talk about your past, and in fact it can all be used for good. It can be redeemed.

Praying for you folks as well.

http://www.myoverwhelmedheart.blogspot.com Alyssa

I too am in the middle of my redemption story. I married my high school sweetheart, had a precious little girl, we both had our dream jobs then he was arrested. He had been able to hide a marijuana addiction for 9 years. 5 weeks ago, he began a 2 year prison term. Now here I am on "the outside" raising a child, trying to provide and trying to continue to grow spiritually. We are just beginning our Plan B and I'm already tired!
My recent post Doing the right thing…

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

Alyssa…wow. Praying for strength, endurance and hope for your soul and your heart. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

http://www.myoverwhelmedheart.blogspot.com Alyssa

I too am in the middle of my redemption story. I married my high school sweetheart, had a precious little girl, we both had our dream jobs then he was arrested. He had been able to hide a marijuana addiction for 9 years. 5 weeks ago, he began a 2 year prison term. Now here I am on "the outside" raising a child, trying to provide and trying to continue to grow spiritually. We are just beginning our Plan B and I'm already tired!
My recent post Doing the right thing…

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

Alyssa…wow. Praying for strength, endurance and hope for your soul and your heart. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

http://twitter.com/bentwingedbird @bentwingedbird

As I read through these stories of redemption, it occurs to me that there's a common theme running through them all – that theme is God and His infinite ability to redeem people and situations in ways no one would ever dream of. I think it follows nicely on the heels of Justin's post earlier this week, about whether Jesus alone is sufficient for us.

I don't have a redemption story to share (or if I do, I don't recognize it as such). But I do wonder….what does one do when the redemption does not take the form we want or pray for? I know that God has our best interest at heart. I also know (or at least believe) that what I want is right and Godly, and in accordance with His will and desires – yet it may not come to pass.

Does refusal to accept or consider alternatives delay or derail redemption? Does one put God in a box when they fixate on how something should occur, or what is required?

paulaswift

Good questions! I would agree that often times, redemption in situations that are not so devastating or extreme are more difficult to see – and redemption overall is probably not totally recognized until it's completed… I'm sure we do delay or derail this process in pursuit of thinking God is supposed to do certain things for us… part of being human – it's tough to let go.
http://intensedebate.com/people/lightchild Grant Jenkins

Those are great questions. It has been my experience that more times than not, redemption ends up looking completely different than what we thought it would. Often times, our respective redemption stories involve a common thread of letting go and dying to our own will and dreams for our life, and embracing God's will and dream for our life. Sometimes those look similar, sometimes they don't.

I'm no pastor or theologian, but I would say yes, refusing alternatives is going to set you back and can easily harden your heart to the leading and guidance of God. I look at Abraham, who wanted a son so badly, and he got it. Then God asked him to sacrifice that son, and he was about to, no questions asked. I think God was teaching Abraham about his own heart in that instance. Be open to what God is saying and doing right now, even if that means laying something you really want on the altar.

Sometimes what we want may be in line with God's heart, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is what He has for you specifically. It's a hard process, no doubt about it. But it is worth every moment you spend working through the hard, uncertain times.
My recent post He Teaches My Heart To Recover

http://twitter.com/bentwingedbird @bentwingedbird

As I read through these stories of redemption, it occurs to me that there's a common theme running through them all – that theme is God and His infinite ability to redeem people and situations in ways no one would ever dream of. I think it follows nicely on the heels of Justin's post earlier this week, about whether Jesus alone is sufficient for us.

I don't have a redemption story to share (or if I do, I don't recognize it as such). But I do wonder….what does one do when the redemption does not take the form we want or pray for? I know that God has our best interest at heart. I also know (or at least believe) that what I want is right and Godly, and in accordance with His will and desires – yet it may not come to pass.

Does refusal to accept or consider alternatives delay or derail redemption? Does one put God in a box when they fixate on how something should occur, or what is required?

paulaswift

Good questions! I would agree that often times, redemption in situations that are not so devastating or extreme are more difficult to see – and redemption overall is probably not totally recognized until it's completed… I'm sure we do delay or derail this process in pursuit of thinking God is supposed to do certain things for us… part of being human – it's tough to let go.
http://intensedebate.com/people/lightchild Grant Jenkins

Those are great questions. It has been my experience that more times than not, redemption ends up looking completely different than what we thought it would. Often times, our respective redemption stories involve a common thread of letting go and dying to our own will and dreams for our life, and embracing God's will and dream for our life. Sometimes those look similar, sometimes they don't.

I'm no pastor or theologian, but I would say yes, refusing alternatives is going to set you back and can easily harden your heart to the leading and guidance of God. I look at Abraham, who wanted a son so badly, and he got it. Then God asked him to sacrifice that son, and he was about to, no questions asked. I think God was teaching Abraham about his own heart in that instance. Be open to what God is saying and doing right now, even if that means laying something you really want on the altar.

Sometimes what we want may be in line with God's heart, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is what He has for you specifically. It's a hard process, no doubt about it. But it is worth every moment you spend working through the hard, uncertain times.
My recent post He Teaches My Heart To Recover

http://www.robynwbuxton.blogspot.com Robyn

Justin and Trisha,

THANK YOU for bringing together this redemmed group of broken souls. This post (comments) has blessed my soul. God Bless!!!

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

Thank you Robyn!

http://www.robynwbuxton.blogspot.com Robyn

Justin and Trisha,

THANK YOU for bringing together this redemmed group of broken souls. This post (comments) has blessed my soul. God Bless!!!

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

Thank you Robyn!

Pam

Thank you for all the redemption stories. Each one was so very touching. I praise God that He has brought me so far, from brokeness to His redeeming unconditional love.
Pam

Thank you for all the redemption stories. Each one was so very touching. I praise God that He has brought me so far, from brokeness to His redeeming unconditional love.
http://www.pricebonus.com/ Michelle

Thank you for all the redemption stories. Each one was so very touching. I praise God that He has brought me so far, from brokeness to His redeeming unconditional love.
http://www.pricebonus.com/ Michelle

Thank you for all the redemption stories. Each one was so very touching. I praise God that He has brought me so far, from brokeness to His redeeming unconditional love.
http://intensedebate.com/profiles/morgsmsquared Morgan

My siblings and I were physically & psychologically abused by mom for as long as I can remember. My parents divorced when I was a year old and my mom took a lot of her bitterness out on us kids. We watched as she attempted suicide twice. I very recently asked her if it was because of us that she didn't want to be here–because that's how it had always felt. That I was alone and unloved. My dad died from cancer when I was 11 and a part of my heart seemed to die with him. By age 13 I was drinking heavily and that continued until I was 20, when for the 3rd time I was taken to the hospital for alcohol poisoning. Despite my absolute anger and feelings of abandonment towards God, I had prayed for him to take me that night–but He didn't. At the age of 15 I began cutting my arms in desperation that someone would help me. No one did and it became an addiction. When I didn't want to feel the pain inside, I would reach for that blade. I cut until a few months before I turned 27.

My recent post Crossing The River…

http://intensedebate.com/profiles/morgsmsquared Morgan

At age 23 I was diagnosed with a brain disease. I was originally told it was a brain tumor and I thought, "REALLY GOD?? You really want to punish me, don't you??" After several more tests over the next month, my doctors figured out what they were seeing wasn't a tumor, but a very swollen optic nerve from a disease called Pseudotumor cerebri. It literally means "false brain tumor." So my body thinks there's something there that isn't–and while it won't kill me, it can cause me to lose my vision completely. I should have been thankful to God for not recieving a death sentence–but I wasn't. It's been a long road of hospital stays, tests & daily handfuls of pills that don't make me feel so super. God has been the last one I've wanted to turn to through all of this. To top it off, that year I lost my highly prized job.
My recent post Crossing The River…

http://intensedebate.com/profiles/morgsmsquared Morgan

While I've never been promiscuous, I was sexually reckless when I moved to Nashville–looking for love from men that most definitely didn't love me. At the end of February last year, I began dating my best friend. He told me how beautiful I was, and how much he loved me and that I was the girl he was suppose to marry. My older brother saw through him and tried to get me to see through his eyes–but I was too much in love and I soon viewed my relationship with my brother as toxic and we stopped speaking. I also decided I'd had enough of my mother's mental abuse and stopped speaking to her as well. My boyfriend, his daughter and his family was all I needed–plus I still had my sister and my twin bro. Not once did I ever ask for God's help.

My recent post Crossing The River…

http://intensedebate.com/profiles/morgsmsquared Morgan

At the end of April this year, my boyfriend broke up with me–telling me that he'd stopped loving me a long time ago. I was devastated and wanted to end my life. No one loved me. But shortly after a final phone call with "D" there was an email from my big brother checking up on me after 5 months of no contact. I called him and sobbed on the phone telling him what happened, so afraid he would say "I told you so." But instead he asked what he could do to help me. He welcomed me back with loving and open arms.

My recent post Crossing The River…

http://intensedebate.com/profiles/morgsmsquared Morgan

A few days later I sat with a friend talking about the breakup–completely unsure of how to move on, and angry with God for doing this to me yet again. She gave me Plan B and told me it'd helped her and I should read it. Something came over me a few moments later and I asked if I could join her at church the next morning. She said yes, and May 9th I started my journey at Cross Point as the Shattered Dream series came to a close and we embarked on the People of a 2nd Chance series. It was like God was speaking to me–but all I felt was the deepest regret and helplessness because I felt like I didn't deserved His grace or forgiveness. And to be honest, I just didn't know that much about God & Jesus despite my upbringing.
My recent post Crossing The River…
http://intensedebate.com/profiles/morgsmsquared Morgan

To bring this long story to an end–God has been making Himself known to me over and over in the past few months. Breaking me down so that He could sweep up the pieces and create the me He'd originally thought into existance. I've never felt so frustrated and loved all at once. But the other day in the midst of praying and crying out to God–I realized the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Carrying that cross wasn't easy–just as this life isn't easy. But God was with Him the whole time, allowing what needed to be done so that we could be saved. I felt a surge of love for God & for Christ and wept because I knew that even though I don't have all of my questions answered, God is with me every step of the way.

And that's why I've decided to be baptized on the 18th.
My recent post Crossing The River…

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

wow…Morgan…what a testimony of God's grace and redemption your life is. Thank you so much for courageously sharing with us!

http://intensedebate.com/profiles/morgsmsquared Morgan

My siblings and I were physically & psychologically abused by mom for as long as I can remember. My parents divorced when I was a year old and my mom took a lot of her bitterness out on us kids. We watched as she attempted suicide twice. I very recently asked her if it was because of us that she didn't want to be here–because that's how it had always felt. That I was alone and unloved. My dad died from cancer when I was 11 and a part of my heart seemed to die with him. By age 13 I was drinking heavily and that continued until I was 20, when for the 3rd time I was taken to the hospital for alcohol poisoning. Despite my absolute anger and feelings of abandonment towards God, I had prayed for him to take me that night–but He didn't. At the age of 15 I began cutting my arms in desperation that someone would help me. No one did and it became an addiction. When I didn't want to feel the pain inside, I would reach for that blade. I cut until a few months before I turned 27.

My recent post Crossing The River…

http://intensedebate.com/profiles/morgsmsquared Morgan

At age 23 I was diagnosed with a brain disease. I was originally told it was a brain tumor and I thought, "REALLY GOD?? You really want to punish me, don't you??" After several more tests over the next month, my doctors figured out what they were seeing wasn't a tumor, but a very swollen optic nerve from a disease called Pseudotumor cerebri. It literally means "false brain tumor." So my body thinks there's something there that isn't–and while it won't kill me, it can cause me to lose my vision completely. I should have been thankful to God for not recieving a death sentence–but I wasn't. It's been a long road of hospital stays, tests & daily handfuls of pills that don't make me feel so super. God has been the last one I've wanted to turn to through all of this. To top it off, that year I lost my highly prized job.
My recent post Crossing The River…

http://intensedebate.com/profiles/morgsmsquared Morgan

While I've never been promiscuous, I was sexually reckless when I moved to Nashville–looking for love from men that most definitely didn't love me. At the end of February last year, I began dating my best friend. He told me how beautiful I was, and how much he loved me and that I was the girl he was suppose to marry. My older brother saw through him and tried to get me to see through his eyes–but I was too much in love and I soon viewed my relationship with my brother as toxic and we stopped speaking. I also decided I'd had enough of my mother's mental abuse and stopped speaking to her as well. My boyfriend, his daughter and his family was all I needed–plus I still had my sister and my twin bro. Not once did I ever ask for God's help.

My recent post Crossing The River…

http://intensedebate.com/profiles/morgsmsquared Morgan

At the end of April this year, my boyfriend broke up with me–telling me that he'd stopped loving me a long time ago. I was devastated and wanted to end my life. No one loved me. But shortly after a final phone call with "D" there was an email from my big brother checking up on me after 5 months of no contact. I called him and sobbed on the phone telling him what happened, so afraid he would say "I told you so." But instead he asked what he could do to help me. He welcomed me back with loving and open arms.

My recent post Crossing The River…

http://intensedebate.com/profiles/morgsmsquared Morgan

A few days later I sat with a friend talking about the breakup–completely unsure of how to move on, and angry with God for doing this to me yet again. She gave me Plan B and told me it'd helped her and I should read it. Something came over me a few moments later and I asked if I could join her at church the next morning. She said yes, and May 9th I started my journey at Cross Point as the Shattered Dream series came to a close and we embarked on the People of a 2nd Chance series. It was like God was speaking to me–but all I felt was the deepest regret and helplessness because I felt like I didn't deserved His grace or forgiveness. And to be honest, I just didn't know that much about God & Jesus despite my upbringing.
My recent post Crossing The River…
http://intensedebate.com/profiles/morgsmsquared Morgan

To bring this long story to an end–God has been making Himself known to me over and over in the past few months. Breaking me down so that He could sweep up the pieces and create the me He'd originally thought into existance. I've never felt so frustrated and loved all at once. But the other day in the midst of praying and crying out to God–I realized the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Carrying that cross wasn't easy–just as this life isn't easy. But God was with Him the whole time, allowing what needed to be done so that we could be saved. I felt a surge of love for God & for Christ and wept because I knew that even though I don't have all of my questions answered, God is with me every step of the way.

And that's why I've decided to be baptized on the 18th.
My recent post Crossing The River…

http://intensedebate.com/people/davisfamily05 Justin and Trisha

wow…Morgan…what a testimony of God's grace and redemption your life is. Thank you so much for courageously sharing with us!

Pingback: Justin Davis
http://twitter.com/CoryMcDooRoo @CoryMcDooRoo

I was severally physically abused as a kid by my Mom's boyfriend, was molested by this same guy, this boyfriend would beat me for 5-7 hours a day while my Mom was at work and would lock me in a 5 ft by 3 foot box and would let me out right before my Mom would get home. This abuse went on from the time I was 7 until I was 12.

I met my wife 10 years ago through a friend and we started dating two weeks after meeting. We were married 2 1/2 years ago. I brought a lot of pain, hurt, and anger to our marriage. I drank alcohol for most of our marriage and would start fights with my wife and would verbally abuse her most of the time. I had an anger problem and when things didn't go as I thought they should I would yell and cuss at both my wife and our two kids. Four months ago my wife came home and said she wanted a divorce, two days after that I moved out of our house and started staying with my Mom and her husband (at 32 yrs old this was not someplace I thought I'd be living). Two weeks after I moved in with my my Mom I got on my knees one night in the livingroom and rededicated my life to Christ and His service. God started working on me instantly. I was able to let go of all of my hurt and anger that I had been carrying since I was 7 years old. I was able to release the burden of unforgiveness and by God's grace I was able to forgive the guy that abused me for all those years.

While out of state on business my wife sent me a txt message that said "God told me this morning that we're to go to counseling and work on things. I don't want to, but I'm going to be obedient". We started seeing a christian counselor and started working towards restoring our marriage.

By God's absolute love filled grace my marriage is restored and our family is back in the same house. This has proven to me that grace is 110% for real and that when you turn your life to God He'll move mightily and swiftly in wrecking your heart and replacing everything with love, grace, and mercy.

I'll be praying for everybody on here and Praise God for all of your redemption stories.
My recent post CoryMcDooRoo- Driving 5 hrs to Denver with the family in the morning- going to a Pirates Cove water park tomorrow and going cont http-tlgd-2j8u3n
http://twitter.com/CoryMcDooRoo @CoryMcDooRoo

I was severally physically abused as a kid by my Mom's boyfriend, was molested by this same guy, this boyfriend would beat me for 5-7 hours a day while my Mom was at work and would lock me in a 5 ft by 3 foot box and would let me out right before my Mom would get home. This abuse went on from the time I was 7 until I was 12.

I met my wife 10 years ago through a friend and we started dating two weeks after meeting. We were married 2 1/2 years ago. I brought a lot of pain, hurt, and anger to our marriage. I drank alcohol for most of our marriage and would start fights with my wife and would verbally abuse her most of the time. I had an anger problem and when things didn't go as I thought they should I would yell and cuss at both my wife and our two kids. Four months ago my wife came home and said she wanted a divorce, two days after that I moved out of our house and started staying with my Mom and her husband (at 32 yrs old this was not someplace I thought I'd be living). Two weeks after I moved in with my my Mom I got on my knees one night in the livingroom and rededicated my life to Christ and His service. God started working on me instantly. I was able to let go of all of my hurt and anger that I had been carrying since I was 7 years old. I was able to release the burden of unforgiveness and by God's grace I was able to forgive the guy that abused me for all those years.

While out of state on business my wife sent me a txt message that said "God told me this morning that we're to go to counseling and work on things. I don't want to, but I'm going to be obedient". We started seeing a christian counselor and started working towards restoring our marriage.

By God's absolute love filled grace my marriage is restored and our family is back in the same house. This has proven to me that grace is 110% for real and that when you turn your life to God He'll move mightily and swiftly in wrecking your heart and replacing everything with love, grace, and mercy.

I'll be praying for everybody on here and Praise God for all of your redemption stories.
My recent post CoryMcDooRoo- Driving 5 hrs to Denver with the family in the morning- going to a Pirates Cove water park tomorrow and going cont http-tlgd-2j8u3n
R.K.

I hope that my story of redemption is just beginning…but I question that at times. Last year I found myself in the middle of an emotional affair, which led to the dissolution of my marriage of nearly 10 years. Earlier this year I married the man with whom I had the affair. I love my husband and our life together, but struggle with the guilt and shame that accompanies my choices of the past. Can I find redemption? I was a Christian, am a Christan and I struggle with my place with God. Am I now living in sin for the rest of my life? Can I be right with God and how do I get there?

Like I said..just the beginning…sigh.

http://www.refineus.org Justin and Trisha

I want to share a couple of thoughts with you that i hope will provide some clarity and hope. I think there will be a time and I am not sure how long that you will have to struggle through shame and guilt. My marriage stayed together, and it took me two years to really process the totality of shame and guilt. I am not saying that is a life sentence, but it will be a part of your journey, and one that you should submit to.

Having said that, there is a difference between consequences for sin and forgiveness of sin. Some of the consequences for your choices have nothing to do with God…God has given you free will and when we make choices that goes against God’s plan, there will be natural consequences to those choices, that will be painful and will take some time to walk through.

But there is nothing in scripture that I see that says you can never find forgiveness, never find wholeness and never find healing. Forgiveness and healing are unconditional. I think that your willingness to admit your sin, ask God and the people that your choices impacted for their forgiveness is all that is required for you to be forgiveness.

I hope that helps you process some of what you are experiencing and find redemption.

R.K.

I hope that my story of redemption is just beginning…but I question that at times. Last year I found myself in the middle of an emotional affair, which led to the dissolution of my marriage of nearly 10 years. Earlier this year I married the man with whom I had the affair. I love my husband and our life together, but struggle with the guilt and shame that accompanies my choices of the past. Can I find redemption? I was a Christian, am a Christan and I struggle with my place with God. Am I now living in sin for the rest of my life? Can I be right with God and how do I get there?

Like I said..just the beginning…sigh.

http://www.refineus.org Justin and Trisha

I want to share a couple of thoughts with you that i hope will provide some clarity and hope. I think there will be a time and I am not sure how long that you will have to struggle through shame and guilt. My marriage stayed together, and it took me two years to really process the totality of shame and guilt. I am not saying that is a life sentence, but it will be a part of your journey, and one that you should submit to.

Having said that, there is a difference between consequences for sin and forgiveness of sin. Some of the consequences for your choices have nothing to do with God…God has given you free will and when we make choices that goes against God’s plan, there will be natural consequences to those choices, that will be painful and will take some time to walk through.

But there is nothing in scripture that I see that says you can never find forgiveness, never find wholeness and never find healing. Forgiveness and healing are unconditional. I think that your willingness to admit your sin, ask God and the people that your choices impacted for their forgiveness is all that is required for you to be forgiveness.

I hope that helps you process some of what you are experiencing and find redemption.

Your Redemption Story-Continued

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