“… He is beauty for the blind man
Riches for the poor
He is friendship for the one the world ignores
He is pasture for the weary
Rest for those who strive
For the good Lord is the way, the truth, the life …”
— From Rend Collective’s “Rescuer”
As a Christ follower, I’ve been rescued.
I want my identity to be rooted there because that’s already been done and there’s nothing I can do to change that truth.
Oh but I’ve tried. I’ve tried to save myself and rescue those around me. I’ve micromanaged situations like I was in control when I really needed to be accepting and appreciating reality. I’ve tried to add to what God has already done by building idols of productivity. I’ve tried to prove my self-worth to a God who has already redeemed my past, rescued me with a purpose, and called me His own.
I want to live surrendered to God’s ways through me.
I want to live more in a field than a factory. (It’s an analogy I heard months ago that I can’t shake.)
I want to continue inviting others in so they can hear my story, which is really God’s story.
I want to let grace fill the gaps — in myself, in others, and all in our broken world.
I want to live rescued.
“We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.”
This struck me deeply when I sat down yesterday morning on what seemed like the first day of the year as my husband was out the door with the big kids who were headed back to school and the toddler slept in.
God’s holy work. He created us for this. He saved us for this. Whatever THIS may be changes with the seasons, but when we’re honoring God with our lives then we’re exactly where He wants us to be. Those are the stories He’s writing in our lives for His glory, to bring His light into the darkness of this world.
And that’s a good place to land as I go into this year remembering I’m already rescued.
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I’ve spent a few weeks thinking about my word for the year and God kept bringing me back to RESCUED, reminding me He’s my rescuer. It’s been the message to my heart and mind as I’ve navigated live the past few months, and I already listen regularly to a playlist that echoes these truths.
Living rescued goes along with some previous posts I’ve shared here: Brave doesn’t always mean big. Sanctified & Broken.
As I continue to process what God is doing, I’ll share on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with #livingrescued. I’d love for you to join me on this journey. And, of course, my kids, especially the one pictured above, make this life and whatever it brings more fun! Happy new year, friends.
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What a beautiful picture of how we are to live our lives! Thank you for sharing your heart so willingly, and for reminding me that I have not, in fact, rescued myself. Nor is it my job to rescue those around me. Only He can do that! My job is to live rescued and love.
Thank you, Becky! I hope your new year is off to a good start.
Kristin, I look forward to seeing how this unfolds in each of our lives this year. This spoke to my heart this morning >> “I want to let grace fill the gaps…” Amen to that! More grace in 2018! xo
Yes, amen! I’m always needing to accept and extend more grace. So glad we can journey together, friend. xo
I love that choice of word. It is so important to remember that we have been rescued by God and that we don’t have to rescue ourselves or those around us. I was just listening to Rend Collective’s “Rescuer” two minutes before I read your post! Hope you have a great 2018!
I love that song so much, obviously! Thank you, Lesley! I hope 2018 is filled with so many blessings for you too.
Kristin you described so well how we should all live our lives. I want to be rescued too. I chose love this year for my one word.
That’s a good word too! Happy new year to you, Debbie!
Amen, Kristin. I look forward to following your journey of #livingrescued.
Thank you, Debbie! I’m glad we can journey together.
Rescued = the truth of the gospel in a word.
So thankful that I am not responsible for keeping the world functioning and am trusting for grace to LIVE THAT WAY in 2018!
Yes, I love that you pointed that out. And that’s exactly where I want to rest this year. There’s such freedom in trusting God that way. Happy new year, Michele!
Awww great words here. And now I can’t stop singing “He’s my Rescuer…” but that’s not a bad thing (since nobody but me is at the house right now.)
Do I need to send your daughter my new playlist? 🙂 I’m always glad to have you here, Melody!
Rescued is a beautiful choice for your one word, Kristin! I love the truth of living like we’ve already been rescued because we have been. Thanks for sharing your insights with us!
Thanks, Lisa! I’m glad you’re here.
Thanking the Lord that He rescued me! I want to live that out as well in this year ahead!
Amen! Thanks for being here, Jennifer!
Love your word for the year, friend. And, the image of field vs factory really resonates with me.
Hope you are feeling better. HUGS and Happy New Year to ya! xo
I’m going to email you the podcast that is a sermon on that field vs factory idea. It’s really great and one of those things I want everyone I know to listen to. 🙂 I’m feeling better – thank you! Happy 2018 to you! xo
Happy 2018 Kristen! Rescued is a great focus. I tend to want to be the rescuer too. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Happy new year to you, Char! Thanks for being here.
I’m having a slow turn-around in this new year. I forgot to linkup here yesterday so I am late to the party! But I know I’m still welcome here. Rescued is a word the Lord gave me eons ago before I even knew there was such a thing as a “oneword.” We are surely rescued, aren’t we? Now, to walk in that truth every single day – that is the challenge! Love to you and your family, Kristin.
My kids went back to school on Jan. 2, so it made me face the new year head on. Otherwise, I’d be slow going too. Yes, keep walking in that truth, my friend. xo
Thanks for sharing your word! I found you through Compassion Bloggers and I’m so glad I did!
I’m glad you’re here, Lauren! I’m looking forward to getting to know you here.