My Redeemer Lives

So, it's the end of the first week of January 2008. Normally, I'm better about getting things written at the very start of the year, but this New Year's came and went without much time to write. I do have a theme for the year though, and I'm excited about how it will unfold. Repeatedly, I have sensed the Lord prompting me to ask Him to show me who He is as Redeemer. What does it mean to be redeemed? How is it that He takes our "stuff" and brings Himself glory from it? I'm so excited about how He's going to answer this prayer. The words "redeemed" and "redeemer" seem to JUMP off the pages of scripture and shout from the lyrics of songs lately, calling out to my heart with great joy. Job, probably the oldest record in scripture, says, "I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand upon the earth." Glory! This has been one of those weeks when I have needed to be reminded that my hope and confidence are NOT in this life, NOT in this world. There is a reality much greater than what I can see. God is good ALL the time, in EVERY circumstance. And, today, I am rejoicing because whatever happens here, I KNOW that my Redeemer lives and that He will stand upon the earth. He is the ultimate reality, and He is better than anything I am tempted to hope in here. This week, I have felt as though my faith in the God of Wonders has been put to the test. I have asked myself many times whether or not I really believe that nothing is too difficult for the God of all flesh? Do I really believe that the things that are impossible for man are possible with God? This morning, I heard the song "Never Underestimate My Jesus" by Relient K, and I just had to laugh. Those of you who know me very well know that one of my greatest pet peeves is to be underestimated. How much more disheartening must it be to the God who can do ANYTHING when we begin to doubt his power in our lives or the lives of those we love???

Am I at the point of no improvement?
What are the depths I still dwell in?
I try to excel but I feel no movement
Can I be free of this unreleasable sin?

Never underestimate my Jesus
You're tellin me that there's no hope
I'm tellin you your wrong
Never underestimate my Jesus
When the world around you crumbles
He will be strong; he will be strong

I throw up my hands
Oh the impossibilities!
Frustrated and tired
Where do I go from here?
Now I'm searchin' for
The confidence I lost so willingly
Overcoming these obstacles
Is overcoming my fears

I think I can't
I think I can't
but I think you can
I think you can!
gather my insufficiencies and
place them in your hands
place them in your hands
place them in your hands.

You will be strong (3x)