Redemption for Stupid!

Did you ever do something really stupid and then watch the Lord redeem it for your own good? (Of course, He also redeems for the Kingdom’s good.)

[Just for the record, it’s not always comfortable teaching when the Lord uses your own experiences as examples.  Part of the following story happens DR, during rebellion, and I thank the Lord often for His mercy and protection over me during that time.]

During my sophomore year of college I was home for a weekend break. I had spent the evening at a neighbor’s house with the other college students playing cards and drinking. When I got home I was hungry and got a block of cheese out. As I held the block in my left hand, with the tips of my fingers above the cheese, I sliced with a sharp knife in my right hand. STUPID.

My Dad looked up just as I sliced off the tips of three of my fingers. Since I was still rather fuzzy from the alcohol, he was the first one to grab a towel to stem the blood flow. I remember Mom coming into the kitchen, seeing the blood, and going back out again. Dad cleaned things up and then Mom came back out to get my contacts out and help me go to bed. Mom sat with me quite a while that night - I bet she was praying, that sounds like her.

The cuts were very shallow and didn’t need additional medical assistance. So, a couple of days later I returned to school with sore, bandaged fingers which caused a disruption in my volleyball practice- but that was about it. They healed and I forgot all about it.

Fast forward 15 years: I am now leading worship for Psalm 19 Ministries here in Syracuse. (Yes, there are lots; I mean lots, of stories between these…no time now.) My guitarist asked me if I knew anyone who would like her old guitar as her husband had gotten her a new electric acoustic. Before I could stop myself, I said, “Sure, I would.” I am so glad that our Lord is FOR us; otherwise this kind of interference in the norm of life would be scary!

My father is a retired music teacher and he had taught us kids, those who wished to learn, to play guitar. I hadn’t played a guitar since Jr. High…over 20 years! I took possession of this gorgeous acoustic guitar and began to reacquaint myself with it. When you begin (even begin again) to play a steel string guitar your fingers hurt. It takes time to build up calluses. However, mine didn’t hurt - I could play for hours without pain! 

The Lord took stupid from my past and REDEEMED it! Only God does this. He’s the only one who loves us so much that He uses all things for our good. Take courage my friends! He is an awesome God and He loves you and me.

Blessings,