Three Ways to Tell your Redemption Story

During a recent women’s gathering at a local church, I witnessed a powerful expression of our redemption in Christ. On the stage, three women appeared with their heads down, looking distressed and ashamed. They each wore black shirts with a different word printed on them.

One shirt had the word “broken”.

Another, “regret”.

Still another, “shame”.

These shirts represented the brokenness of humanity. Before Christ, we wandered throughout life without direction and hope, aimlessly trying to find love in all the wrong places. Each broken relationship, each disappointment and sinful act plummeted us deeper into the abyss of our own depravity. Clothed in shame, we were lost, alone, and longing for something more.

Do you remember those days of despair? Was there a time when you felt like there was nothing to live for? As I watched those women on the stage, tears filled my eyes. I remembered those dark moments in my life when I felt like there was no hope.

But one word broke through the chains of our bondage, and stripped us of our garments of captivity, clothing us with a new identity…

Redemption.

As the message went on, the speaker shared how we no longer have to wear sin and shame on our shoulders. The three women removed their labeled shirts and placed them on a nearby cross, symbolizing how Jesus took on our heavy burdens and paid the penalty of our sins.

Redemption.

Seeing those shirts on the cross was a powerful reminder of our freedom and redemption in Christ.

Redemption is a word that now gives us gleaming hope and a secure future. Redemption brings us renewal, restoration and revival.

The word redemption in the original Hebrew language has rich layers of meaning. It is to redeem, to buy back a relative’s property, to deliver, to purchase, and a ransom (source).

Through Jesus, we have been redeemed, bought back from the ruthless rule of sin and death–and we are now free from the clutches of our past!

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.  Ephesians 1:7-8b

The Bible is filled with Scriptures declaring the good news of our redemption in Christ. Here are just a few:

 

What glorious news!

We can now experience redemption instead of rejection.

Riches in place of rags of spiritual poverty.

Robes of righteousness instead of a cloak of reproach.

So what is your redemption story? How has God redeemed your life and brought you to stand on solid ground?

The world needs to hear your redemption story. 

[bctt tweet=”The world needs to hear your redemption story. ” username=”christinbaker12″]

The other day I ran into someone I hadn’t seen in a while, and she shared a recent struggle in her life–a struggle that I also dealt with years ago. In that moment, I was able to share with her how God brought me through that difficult season in my life. We never know who God may place in our lives, and it is our responsibility to share our redemption stories with the world.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…

 

Here are three practical ways you can share your redemption story with others.

1. Write your story

“Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.” Jeremiah 30:2

There is something powerful about putting pen to paper and writing our stories. Whether you record pieces of your life’s journey in composition notebooks or write a memoir in a published book, your story matters. Write it down. Journal your thoughts and the ways God is speaking to you. Writing our stories is a great way to reflect on where God has brought us from, and to ponder how He will unfold the upcoming chapters!

 

2. Speak your story

…do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:19b-20

You may not consider yourself to be a public speaker, but one of the best ways to share your redemption story is to open your mouth and speak. Just as the Holy Spirit equipped the disciples to speak with boldness, he will give you the courage and the words to say. When we tell of how the Lord changed our lives through his power and strength, the people who hear our stories will see God at work. You just never know how God may use your story to touch the lives of others!

3. Wear your story

What if you were to put on a piece of clothing that reminded you that you are redeemed? What would happen if you wore clothing that not only provided comfort and warmth, but also proclaimed the truth of our freedom in Christ? We already know that clothing makes “fashion statements”, so why not  make a faith statement as well?

Today I am excited to share Called To Edify® Boutique, founded by Al and Tona Haywood. Their mission is to provide Christian apparel with biblical messages of encouragement, faith, and love.  At Called to Edify, all apparel lifts up the name of Jesus, sharing the redemption story of Christ through every garment.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…

If you are looking for a gift for a loved one or for a creative way to express your faith, check out Tona’s shop, (she also has a beautiful devotional!) and don’t just wear your faith–share it! Not only will you share your redemption story, but proceeds of Called to Edify support women who have been in bondage to human trafficking. Since we have been redeemed, we are now called to help others find redemption in Christ.

How have you shared your redemption story? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

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