Day 1 - Surrender!

Even where we have caused pain for ourselves or for those we love, God is the Ultimate Redeemer. If we surrender our lives to Him and allow Him in, He can bring a crown of beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3). He knows how to bring a message from that mess. He can still create a masterpiece of your life even when there have been unpleasant marks on the palette. Let those words encourage you because they are true. There is no life too far gone that God cannot redeem! There is no offence too big that God cannot forgive! (Think of Saul, who became Paul). God is waiting with arms stretched wide... as portrayed by the Father of the Prodigal Son (in Luke 15:11-32).

For the person facing a sentence for a crime they did not commit, please be encouraged by the life of Joseph*. Joseph was incarcerated for a crime he did not commit and with no release date in sight, his life seemed rather bleak! Be encouraged; God knows the truth and He is able to turn things around! If He allowed it, then you can be sure that He will use it to bring about ultimate good - if you let Him.

Though Joseph endured several years in captivity – thirteen to be exact – God's hand was on him at every point; from the Pit to the Palace. God allowed the whole ordeal to preserve the nation of Israel during the global famine (Gen 50:20). At the end of the entire saga, despite all the pain he had gone through, Joseph could finally look back through the lens of purpose and see God’s hands working behind the scenes all along. He used the situation to bring about a far greater purpose - preserving the life of an entire nation.

One Scripture that has really encouraged me during difficult moments is Romans 8:28: "And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose". God can work out all - the good, bad and ugly - things for our ultimate good. The question is: “Will we surrender to Him and allow Him to do so?”

Prayer:

Lord, please forgive us for all the wrong that we have ever done. We know that You have this situation figured out, even though we don’t. Therefore, we choose to trust You with our lives. Help us to learn all that You want to teach us in the midst of every difficult situation. We surrender to You! Thank You for not letting our pain be wasted.

Reflection:

On a sheet of paper, write down some thoughts and questions about the pain you are currently experiencing. Fold the sheet of paper and place it in your Bible (any book/chapter will do). As you do so, imagine that you are handing it all over to Jesus (He is the Word after all! See John 1:1-5). Whenever you find yourself overthinking about what happened, what you may have done or the consequences, remember that you have now handed it over to Jesus. Therefore, instead of worrying or over-processing, pray about the situation. Then, pause and listen to what God may be saying to you in response. (Feel free to add to the list of thoughts or questions as many times as you need to).

*You can read more about Joseph's life in Genesis chapter 36 to 50