Momentum For Monday, June 17th 2024
“He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. We have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, in Him.” (Colossians 1:13-14)
Grace. Mercy. Forgiveness. Redemption. Resurrection. All these words are ideas created by God Himself for our benefit. They all paint a picture of something rough, bad, or terrible that changes for the better. I love that about Him. Let me explain it a little better though...
Years ago, before smart phones with cameras and Instagram, pictures were a longer process. You had no idea if you took a good picture until after you dropped your role of film off and picked it up 24-48 hours later. You found out days later if you cut someone's head off in a picture. And if you wanted to send a picture to a friend, you had to order doubles and mail them (I wish I could see ya'll shaking your heads in agreement with me).
However, in that more patient process of getting your pictures was what was called development. You had to get your film developed from what was imaged on the negatives. In order to get those awesome memories in-hand, you had to develop the negatives. Those little dark pieces of film were what gave you your best memories.
I'm going to stop right there and get to my point- let God develop your negatives. Let Him intervene and teach you in your weaknesses, faults, and frailties. Without Him, those things are just dark, problematic memories, but with Him, is grace, mercy, redemption, forgiveness, and resurrection. He is the master at making the obscure and painful, beautiful.
His ability to create and transform are endless. And I'm not just talking about mother nature, but sin nature also. He can take the worst of the worst and make a person new. So, one last time before we go about our business today- hand over your negatives. With patience, ask God to develop them into something amazing (then repeat that as often as necessary).
“And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.”
(Romans 8:28)