We Are Valuable to God Even with Our Sinful Past

Week 42, Thursday

Ann Iorg

By faith Rahab the prostitute received the spies in peace and didn’t perish with those who disobeyed. Hebrews 11:31 (hcsb)

Rahab was a prostitute, yet she is in the lineage of King David and Jesus (see Matthew 1:5). God searches for those who really believe in Him. He is ready and waiting to forgive and bless, despite past sin. Rahab did not grow up learning about God and His commandments, but she came to believe in Him later in life. She gave up prostitution, became a wife and mother, and followed the God of Israel. Consequently, she is listed in Hebrews (in the faith “hall of fame”) and her life is a testimony to God’s grace.

We think our past sins diminish our value and make us inferior. God does not see us that way. He loves for us to turn to Him and reject our former way of life. He uses us in spite of our failures. God knew everything about us from before the world began. Like Rahab, we can put our faith in God and have new life. Our previous lives can be left behind and new life can begin in Jesus Christ. God receives glory not from our perfection, but by dramatically changing our lives.

Now is the time to put aside past failures and trust God to change our lives. We must focus on the future, not on the past. When we repent, God forgives and moves on. So must we. God delights in redeeming the past sin we hate.

Thank You, God, for my failures because they show me how much I need You. Give me grace to rise above my sin, move forward, and let Your redeeming work be done. I praise You because You change my life and make it worth living. Amen.