Repurposed
We have come to the end of this path of Repurposed on our journey together.
Our trailway opens to the familiar large circle area, where a roaring fire greets us as we gather and share what we have learned.
As we look around at each other, we notice something different.
There is a peaceful strength that is within us now.
We have come so far, you and I.
Following God and dealing with the stuff we had numbed and buried within the deep corners for so long hasn't been easy.
But we did it.
We kept going and emerged stronger, wiser, and more confident than ever that trusting and following God is the only way forward.
Our minds are quieter now, isn't it awesome?
We allow all the tension and stress to leave our bodies as we rest and let the warmth of the roaring fire relax us.
We sit in a circle - forged together as a community of strong warriors and children of God.
Our stories are different, but one thing unites us.
No matter what happened to us or by us, God took it all and repurposed it for good.
As we breathe in the crisp night air, we take a piece of paper out and begin to write down the lies the enemy told us about how we were knocked down, defeated, and useless.
We crumple that nonsense with all the fervor we can muster and throw it in the fire, smiling from ear to ear as we see every lie burn away.
Gone forever.
We then take out a new sheet and write how God is repurposing all of it for good.
Each hurt, disappointment, and frustration feels more like training that has brought us closer to God and equipped us for our purpose.
Because of what we have experienced, we stand emboldened and empowered to use all we have learned to stand with others on their journey from the ashes.
Just as others did for us.
The words on that paper express a certification in many ways.
I can see the fine print:
"By trusting God to repurpose what the enemy planned for harm into something beautiful and powerful, the holder of this certificate has now earned the title of overcomer and liberator. This new status hereby grants the opportunity to follow God to serve and help others."
We look around at each other - God's beloved children - beaming with pride and gratitude.
We have come so far and a new energy and power is building within us.
Okay, God, where to next?
Here we go!
Romans 8: 37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Psalm 103: 20-22
Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul.
Ephesians 2: 1-5
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.