Do you know the story of Rahab? Rahab was labelled a prostitute, in other words she was someone who indulged in sexual immorality, which is considered a sin. So in they eyes of others, she was a sinner. But when you read the account about the spies that were sent to inspect Jericho, it seems that she was a different person (Joshua 2). She heard the stories of how God took the Israelites through the wilderness and did all His mighty works; she knew they served a mighty God and so she believed. The story of Rahab starts with her being a prostitute, after which she was redeemed and became the wife of Salmon and then she gave birth to a boy named Boaz, and we all know who Boaz is..
“When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” (Joshua 2:11, NIV)
Now this story shows us that when we make a decision to obey and submit ourselves to God, He will turn things around for our good. The way people used to know you, they will not know you like that anymore. The way people used to see you, they will not see you like that anymore. Your clothes that were once dirty and now washed white again. You will be redeemed in Jesus’ name. How many of us used to live a lifestyle that wasn’t pleasing to God, and at some point decided to follow God, yet people look at you as the person you used to be? I believe that many of us can identify with this. Nowadays instead of forgetting the past, people love to remind you of it. This might make you feel as if you cannot move on with your life, but take not of what the what the Bible says in Isaiah 43:18-19; Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing (ESV).
So after you’ve repented, it is important to move on with your life. The most important thing however, is that you yourself do not remember the things of old anymore, for if you keep these things in your mind they will bring you down. Be like Rahab and be bold enough to leave your past behind. By the way, your past includes those friends that were a negative influence to you. That life you used to live with them, of which you know it wasn’t pleasing to God, is not a lifestyle you need to keep living. Everything that is not of God will be of satan and we know that the end product of satan is to steal, kill and destroy.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.'” (Matthew 21:42, NIV)
Rahab’s story symbolizes amazing grace, even making her part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. This is the transforming redeeming power of God. Indeed, our Redeemer lives. Rahab was not the only woman in the Bible who found redemption. Isn’t it amazing how Boaz redeemed Ruth, whilst he was the son of the redeemed woman Rahab. Indeed God works in mysterious ways.
I pray that this article may encourage all the young women reading this. It not too late for God to change your life! Today is the day that you can make that decision! People might look at you strange or remind you of the past, but God is able to blot out your transgressions and redeem you from the curse. That is why He sent His Son to come and die for you..
God bless,
Claudia Baah
Guest Writer
The Purpose Wife 