Shedding Shame for Surrender: Finding Healing in Gods Love a 4 - Day Bible Plan by Jackie Smith BellSample

Faith's Response to Shame

Recently, I encountered a soldier from my Army days who had made some regretful choices that filled her with shame. After a brief conversation, I noticed a joyous demeanor from the person I once knew and asked if she had accepted Jesus as her Savior. She replied that her behaviors had been transformed by her newfound faith since inviting Him into her heart.

The influence of faith was evident in her life, highlighting that confidence in Jesus, trusting Him in both seen and unseen circumstances, is not limited to those with spotless pasts but available to individuals with imperfect histories.

Jesus changes everything - it's not just my fellow comrades' story, but also yours and mine when we put our trust in Christ. Today, in Joshua 2, we see that's true for Rahab also, who transformed from 'Rahab the prostitute' to 'Rahab the woman of great faith'.

Rahab lived in a shame-filled environment, both due to its godlessness and her own profession. There were no online Bible studies and no small groups around to nurture Rahab's faith. Nevertheless, a story spread through town about a people who fled Egypt, pursued by Pharaoh's army.

Miraculously, their God parted the Red Sea, delivering them to safety while their enemies drowned in defeat, which spurred on Rahab's hopes for a better life.

The news of the miracle-working God instilled fear in the people, but Rahab, unlike the others, sought a change in life, wanting to leave her pagan beliefs behind to follow the One True God. When two spies arrived at her establishment, Rahab acted in faith, cleverly protecting them and requesting her family's safety when the city was destroyed; the spies agreed and entered a covenant before leaving. (Joshua 2:9-10)

Faith is an action...Rahab willingly surrendered to the God of Israel, acting out her faith- which not only made an impact for her and her family but for all generations to come. (Joshua 6:16-17)

In Hebrews 11, known as the 'Hall of Faith,' Rahab and Sarah are the only two women mentioned (Hebrews 11:11; Hebrews 11:31). Notably, Sarah was the mother of the Hebrew nation, while Rahab was of Gentile descent, indicating God's plan of salvation was for everyone. Rahab's story demonstrates transformation and hope, showing that our past does not define us. In Christ, we can become new people with new futures (2 Corinthians 5:17). Whatever we once were, we can now be women of great faith. And for that, we can surrender it all to God and respond with joy!

God offers freedom from shame through faith in Him.

Affirmation: Today I choose to walk by faith and not be paralyzed by past shame.

Questions: In what area of your life are you reluctant to show up because of your past shame? How can your faith in God motivate you to take action daily?