GOD OUR REDEEMER

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” 

(Psalms 107:1-2a)

There’s nothing more thrilling than to see vision come to fruition, especially when that vision comes directly from above. God impressed upon our hearts something so basic, yet so powerful – to see Him glorified. In seeking ways to do this collectively as a church, a special Anthem service has been set aside on the first Wednesday of every month. Our first Anthem Night in January exceeded all expectations.

Pastor Ryan, who leads up Anthem Night, thought it fitting to focus on one aspect of God each time we gather. For our kick-off, we focused on “God our Redeemer”. After an encouraging word from Psalm 107, the microphone was offered to anyone wishing to share a personal story of redemption.

Jeneca was first to testify. After two failed marriages, she surrendered her life to the Lord. God redeemed the past by bringing a Christian man into her life. Recently, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Yet she praises God for a godly husband at her side.

David shared his struggle with pride. A major blow came after he lost his job. David now makes half of what he earned before. Rather than grieve, he is grateful to God for humbling him and saving him.

Dana shared her struggle with chronic pain. While it has been a difficult journey, she rejoices that she has Jesus as her comforter.

The last to share was a Jurica. It wasn’t that long ago when she married Jonathan. He passed away from cancer one month shy of their first anniversary. Tears flowed as Jurica spoke of her heartbreak. Even still she declared, “God works all things together for good.”

While the stories were all different, each were the same (to quote Pastor Ryan). In each case, all bore testimony to God’s redemptive work:

“To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3)

Once the service concluded, it was clear this wasn’t the end. We have only just begun to glorify God for all that He has done. I can’t wait for next time when we pay tribute to Him as our provider: Jehovah-jirah!