Embracing Your True Self: Living in Your Christ-Centered Identity With Jennifer SlatteryNäide

You are redeemed.

Brandy never considered herself worth rescuing. As a child, she often felt unwanted and alone. At age 13, the chaos at home and emptiness within felt overwhelming, she attempted to end her life. Upon learning of this, her mother said, with obvious disgust, “Let her die.” She might have, if not for her fast-acting sister.

These experiences challenged her ability to understand and trust God’s heart. But as she read all the ways God reclaimed His spiritually, and on occasion, physically, enslaved people over the centuries, she discovered redemption rested on His faithfulness, not hers.

We see several biblical examples of this, including when the Lord rescued and redeemed His children from 400 years of slavery and oppression in Egypt. This object lesson, to them and us, illustrates the enslaving effects of sin, our need for a Savior, and foreshadowed Christ’s death on the cross.

He saw us when we were at our worst and ransomed us not with gold or silver, but rather by His blood, shed for us. He is our Redeemer, and we are His redeemed.

Journal Prompt:

What feels most encouraging or comforting when you reflect on the price Christ paid for your redemption? What are some enslaving behaviors He’s redeemed you from (even if you haven’t learned to fully live in that reality)? How can remembering that God chose to redeem you when you were at your worst help you live anchored in grace when you make mistakes now and in the future?