Redeemed but not Delivered

We need to pause and contemplate that there is a difference between being delivered and redeemed. We may pray for God to physically deliver us (as the Psalmist does), but the reality is He may simply choose not to do so. Redemption, however, is a sure thing. “Redeem us, O Lord,” should be a constant prayer for the Christian. What God may not choose to do physically, he will do redemptively. He is re-writing your story redemptively.

God gives Edmund a new identity. In C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” Edmund falls prey to the temptation of the witch and betrays his family. As the story goes on Edmund repents of his ways and becomes a fundamental piece to Lewis’ narrative of redemption. Edmund’s story is re-written to reflect the redemption he experienced in the narrative, even though he endures much pain. God takes the pain of our story and gives it a new redemptive meaning. In William Cowper’s stunning words:


His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

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