She watched The Woman with wary eyes. Weary eyes. Distrustful eyes. She was thin, the flesh gone from her bones leaving her skin hanging slightly, despite her youth. Her long, straight black hair hung down her shoulders and over her face as she sat hunched forward with her elbows on her knees. She didn’t want to be here. She didn’t want to hear the speaker. She really didn’t want to sing along to the cheery, upbeat music.
She had finally hit rock bottom. Sitting in a rehab facility, recovering from her addiction, questioning how her life had gotten so far out of control. The fun, party lifestyle had finally come to a stop. Where were all those ‘good time’ people now? She felt so tired, hopeless, and alone.
As she slowly tuned into The Woman’s voice, she started listening to a vaguely familiar story. She knew this story.
But how could this woman know her story? Her head perked up in interest, her eyes peeked out from under the heavy lashes and bangs covering her face.
‘But wait, this story isn’t mine’ she thought, although it sounds so much the same.
As The Woman continued, she told a life story of abuse, addiction, broken dreams, and heartache. This sounded familiar.
She slowly raised her head and listened more intently as the story took a dramatic turn. Suddenly The Woman was speaking of hope. With a large smile on her face. Could she dare to believe her life could also change from despair to hope?
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away” Matthew 18: 12-13 (NLT)
The Woman spoke of the love of God. A God who loved her enough to search for her when she was lost and rejoice when she was found. He searched for her, to rescue her, to love her, to redeem her, and restore her.
By believing in his son, Jesus, her life was transformed. Joy, hope, love, and purpose. Free for the asking.
Just believe, trust, and surrender. It sounded too good to be true.
By God’s grace, she could be set free!
And that day she was.
Another day. A different chair. Today she is The Woman.
Sitting tall, head held high. Long, black hair swept up. Clear, bright eyes shining.
Glowing skin, taunt and firm. Joyful eyes. Loving smile.
Singing sweetly to the familiar tune.
A life transformed. Rescued. Loved.
Thanks to the love of Him and His son.
A new story of redemption. A life fulfilled. A new hope. A new purpose.