God Can Change Your Life, Too!

“Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.”   -Maya Angelou

Having the courage to change your life can be a difficult, and maybe scary proposition for many. There's the possibility that you will meet resistance, or resentment from people in your life (family, friends, co-workers, etc.). You might even find yourself questioning your decision; wondering if it was the right thing to do. Furthermore, after running this through your mind, you might just decide to stay where you are; which happens more often than not.

This brings to mind one particular woman from the Bible who serves as an example of every person who is lost in sin. Someone who could very well be you, or me. Sure, change isn't easy. But, it's necessary if you want to grow personally and spiritually. As you shall ultimately see, this woman changes not only her own life, but in doing so, changes the lives of others, as well.

The great walled city of Jericho was about to be attacked by the Israelites. Inside its fortified walls lived a diversity of people. They were well aware that if their city was ransacked and stormed, they would all die. Surprisingly, none had repented of sin, or even bothered to ask for mercy. The only exception was a harlot named Rahab.

Joshua, leader of the Israelites, sent two spies to the city to check the mood of the people. Upon entering Jericho, they went to the home of Rahab.Why? They were hoping not to raise any attention. And, let's face it, the sight of men entering a harlot's home wouldn't be that unusual (Joshua 2:1)!

But, hold on! That's not the big story here. It's what they discovered when they entered the home of Rahab that must have totally shocked them. They found a woman who had been changed by the power of God. Yes, they encountered Rahab the harlot, but soon found out that she wasn't the girl she used to be!

Rahab tells the spies that she was aware of what happened in Egypt and of the kings they've defeated along the way (Joshua 2:10-11). Remember, it had been 40 years since the Israelites left Egypt. God had spared Jericho for that amount of time, and they still had several more days before their judgement.Thus, Rahab had experienced the grace, and patience of God in giving her time to come to faith in Him.

She had heard about the God of Israel. It's true, that it was a message of judgment that she heard, but it introduced her to the the true and living God. The message that came to her was a message of life!

Let's not forget that Rahab showed concern about others in her family who were in danger, too. Now that she knows that God will take care of her, she wants the same assurance for her family. Her heart is moved to reach out and secure help for them. It is under this light, that we clearly see Rahab as a picture of the person who comes to faith in Christ (Joshua 2:12-13).

And, because she placed her faith in the Lord God of Israel, she acquired some valuable gifts. First, God took this former harlot and blessed her new life with the richest of His blessings. Through her faith, she and her family were spared from the destruction of her city.

Secondly, this woman became the ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, she was David's great-great grandmother and the mother-in-law of Ruth. God took Rahab out of the gutter and made her eternally famous. He gave this trusting sinner a place in His eternal, divine plan. After she came to faith in the true and living God, her life was changed forever!

For us, Rahab is a picture of the power of the Lord Jesus to transform any life that comes to Him by faith. What God did with her is a miracle of His love and grace. And guess what? What the Lord did for Rahab, He can and will do for you, too!

Scripture: Ephesians 4:22-24; Psalm 51:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 1:9; Matthew 25:46 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the love you give me. Your love gives me strength and courage to love others in return. Please help me show love to those who are in need of it most. Amen

God loves you!

Makennah