One Rash Decision Can Change Your life

We all have wondered "why on earth did I do THAT". Sometimes we wonder just moments after we do it. Sometimes it takes us years to fully understand why we made a simple choice. Sometimes one single decision can alter the course of our entire lives forever.

I have always loved the story of Rahab the harlot. I can identify with her. It's a story of redeeming grace at its fullest.

Here is a woman who has made a lifetime of bad decisions. I'm sure she has many regrets. I'm also sure that on the particular day she chose to hide two strange men in her house, she had no idea that her world was getting ready to be turned upside down.

The first we hear of Rahab's story is in the 2nd chapter of Joshua. We find out that she ushers these Israelites  into her home (no doubt with her usual intentions). She then hides them from the king's men, helps them plan an escape, & makes a pact with them, all while knowing they are planning to destroy the city she lives in, her friends, her neighbors, her home, everything except what she harbors inside her house.

I'm not sure if or when God spoke to her or if she just knew that these men were different. But God used Rahab & her obedience as a key point in this battle. He proved yet again that He could & would save in the middle of disaster!

We learn that after the destruction of Jericho in Joshua 6, Rahab chooses to remain with the same Isrealites that just destroyed everything she knew & found familiar. I'm not sure if her family decided to stay there or if they eventually went in search of a new home.

I believe that Rahab turned away from her idols gods & decided to serve the one true God. There's not much else mentioned about Rahab besides a few references in scripture.....

James 2:25 "Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?"

Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace."

.....BUT her story is FAR from finished! 

Without this sinful woman, who decided one fateful day to follow God, Jesus Christ would never have been born of a virgin & die to save a world full of sinners. (Ruth 4:20-21, Matthew 1:4-5, Luke 3:32)

Now, God COULD have used someone else. God COULD have chosen people who were "more worthy". God COULD have only picked faithful servants from birth.

BUT GOD chose to use Rahab with ALL her sin filled past as a way to show us that even though we continually mess up, HE CAN STILL USE US!! Even more than that He WANTS to use us!!

So often, I feel like Rahab, unworthy, sinful. A woman who has so much to be ashamed of, but also a woman that God has turned around to serve Him with all her heart.

Don't let your Rahab past keep you from the glorious future that God has planned for you. You never know just what miraculous event He has planned through you!