Annesley Writers Forum "Redemption" by Rebekah Hallberg for Sunday, 25 January 2015

Annesley Writers Forum "Redemption" by Rebekah Hallberg for Sunday, 25 January 2015

Last year I heard about the “One Word” movement. The idea is to choose a word for the year, and see how that one word helps to shape your year. In 2014, my word was “hope”. God clearly gave the word when everything in me was unable to consider “hope”. This year, He’s given a word that I didn’t want. I wasn’t sure what He might do with the word. The more I prayed, the more He gave me peace about this one word, but with the qualification that this word isn’t just for me.

This year, 2015, my one word for the year is redemption. In my personal life, there are many possible applications of this word, and I’m eager to see what God is going to do. As I thought about redemption, though, and my personal mission field (my writing), I realized that this word gives me the opportunity to be intentional in my writing.

You see, friends, we live in a part of the world where we have almost immediate access to anything we need. We are so fortunate to live in a time and place where we can get almost anything we want, without too much effort.

Of course, not everyone is afforded the same luxuries we are. Many people struggle for basic things – enough food, clothing, money. Some have been forced into a life of serving at the will of another.

“Redemption. Offer them redemption.”
God’s words were so clear to me.

Right now, I’m not at a point in my life where I can go somewhere else to serve Him. But I am committed to do what I can, where I am. God has blessed me with the opportunity to write and when He says “redemption” I know that my purpose this year is to make Him known.

I will be spending this year praying for opportunities to share my faith, to share about the Redeemer who provides Redemption, no matter what our circumstances. The beauty of God’s redemption is just that – whether we’ve walked with Jesus from the time we were small, or whether we have lived an ugly, messy life, God’s offer of redemption is available for us all.

Friend, do you know Him? Do you know my Jesus who can take your situation and use it for His glory? Do you know my Jesus who can forgive your sins and make your life whole, and holy, no matter what you’ve done? If you don’t, today could be your day of redemption. All you need to do is say a simple prayer acknowledging your sin, asking God’s forgiveness, and asking Him to guide you in His righteousness.

If you pray that kind of prayer, would you let us know? You can comment or reach us through the contact information at the top of the page.

I don’t know your situation – maybe you have been blessed to be able to go and serve. Maybe you’ve been put into a job where you have opportunity to share freely about your faith.

Redemption, friends. Let’s share the Redemption that our Redeemer gives!

Do you have a word for the year? If so, would you share it with us so that we may pray over specifically with you through the year?____________________________