Redeeming

This weekend’s message is redeeming for me. I’m talking about my struggles as a teen, trying to help hurting parents and their children get back that which Satan is stealing from them.

We filmed my dad and I talking through the issues surrounding my struggles, how it affected him and others, and ultimately how God was able to get a hold of my heart. It was cool to just talk through this subject with my dad, and to honor him for his role in my life.

As I watched the video tonight, I realized just how Christ has replaced the years the locusts had eaten, and given me beauty for ashes. He’s redeemed me from the trash pile of our culture, which had used me up and spit me out.

He forgave me. He cleansed me. He gave me an eternal family. He gives me purpose. He gives me joy. He makes me full. He gives me love.

It was cool to share my story and encourage young people to “come home” to Christ. God is a God of redemption. He uses the pain of my past to help others in the pain of their presence. In a crazy way, I’m thankful for the pain I went through, it gives me the ability to help young people who are in the midst of pain. My past has been redeemed!