From Rags to Riches

   We all know that classic Cinderella story: going from working for her stepmother to marrying a prince and living happily ever after. It's almost every little girl's dream for their life. Our salvation story is much like a Cinderella story, only in a much greater and meaningful sense.

   There have been a lot of events in my life that have led me to write about this. Most of all, I feel like this is an epidemic across America, and even across the world. Thus, bear with me as I share my thoughts.

   I'm reading a book right now called "Because He Loves Me," by Elyse Fitzpatrick (book review coming soon!). The primary focus is that the gospel should be impacting our daily lives. There is so much to learn from this book, so when I write the book review, I would really encourage you to click on the link and buy it for yourself. It's a great bible study to do yourself or with friends.

   The point is, as Christians, once we've been saved we "forget" the gospel. It's not so much that we think that it's not important, but that it doesn't apply to us much anymore because we are saved. We have to realize that, as Paul says, we are continually being saved. That's the process of sanctification. However, the gospel gives us hope. It is the pinnacle of what we believe and hope in. When we realize that even though we may be having an issue with a family member or co-worker, since God is so patient with us, we should be patient with them, and He will give us the grace to do so. We can remember Christ's suffering on the cross and relate it to our life. Nothing in this world compares to what He went through. We can also remember the inheritance promised to us as we go through this life. He has promised that we will get to be in His presence and live with Him forever. Isn't that amazing?!?

   I want to bring in an illustration of sorts. You can read the full story in John 8:2-11. Basically, a woman was caught in the act of adultery, and the scribes and Pharisees were deciding what to do with her. It was Israelite law that a woman who has committed adultery be stoned to death. Jesus comes on the scene, and the scribes and Pharisees ask Him what He would do. He began writing in the sand, and when He finished, He said, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." They heard this, and one by one left the scene. When they had all left, Jesus asked the woman where her accusers were, and she told Him, "No one, Lord." Jesus told her, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."

   This is such a compelling story. Here this woman was, sentenced to physical and spiritual death. Jesus came, and by the end of it, she came out with physical and spiritual life. She had been trying to hide her sin, but instead was exposed. However, this exposure brought about freedom from her past life. She had gone from darkness to light.

   1 Peter 2:9-10 says,

   "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own posession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." (emphasis added)  

    This adulterous woman, along with everyone else who has been saved by the grace of God, experienced coming out of the darkness and coming into His marvelous light. This is such a beautiful gift that He has given us. We have exchanged our past identity with Christ's. We don't have to fear the future because He has exposed us for our good, We can bask in the light of His love and grace and mercy.

   This might be a fearful thought for you to come out and be exposed. Friend, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. There is not a sin too big that God can't handle. He longs to have a personal relationship with you, and for you to live with Him forever. Not only do we have an inheritance with Him, but He gives us His Spirit to help us along the way. He is a Comforter, Healer, Savior, Friend, and most of all, a perfect Father. He knows exactly what we need.

   Do you see how we go from rags to riches? We go from serving sin and Satan, a cruel master, to serving God, who is an amazing master. Not only that, but He has adopted us into His family. We have an eternal inheritance with Him. We've been transformed from the rags of servanthood to the riches of royalty. Our Cinderella story is so much more compelling than the tale because of the reality of a loving Savior and Father.

   How can the gospel impact your life? Do you see the power and truth of our testimony? Do you realize God's infinite love towards us, no matter what we do? 

   I will close with Psalm 32. This ties together so much of what we are talking about.

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.  I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said,I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble you surround me with shouts of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you shoul go;I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. Many are the sorrows of the wicked,but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

   Here are a couple songs that go along with this post:

1. How Can It Be - Lauren Daigle Listen! 

2. Marvelous Light - Ellie Holcomb Listen!