Rahab had determined to hide the Hebrew spies and keep her end of the bargain…this promise that would save her and her family from the coming destruction by the army of Israel. I love that God uses the least of these to accomplish great things. A woman…a prostitute…an adulteress. Shocking!

But the very things that label and trap us can be used for good. In Joshua 2, we learn that the king of Jericho had discovered that the men of Israel had come to search out the land. He inquired of Rahab. The two spies held their breath as she wove her tale. The soldiers listened to her. They believed her, and pursued the spies where Rahab had suggested. I can only imagine why the king would know her so well. Perhaps she was good at her job and had the king in her good graces.

Let’s be real…she knew men. She had to. Rahab served and catered to men. The very label that tried to define her was turned, to be used for her good and God’s glory. She feared the Lord God of Israel, as we discussed last time, and decided to take a risk on Him. We call that faith.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

The very labels that threaten to strangle and pull us down can be used for noble causes. Whether these labels are warranted or not, God is big enough to turn our ashes to beauty. He can take something defiled and make it clean. He brings life to what was dead. He is God after all. Rahab understood this and acted upon it. Perhaps ignorance is bliss…maybe she didn’t know how much prostitutes were looked down upon. More likely, though, she knew…we all know and carry shame from past choices.

Sweet friends, may I ask you to dig deep…to really believe that the very thing, the very label you are trying to remove or run from could be what God will use for good. Will you take the risk and believe God can take what made you “dirty” and small and use it for good, glory, and beauty? All the lessons learned…the empathy you feel for others in similar situations, your perspective is of great value in God’s kingdom. There are many who need to hear your story, because maybe, they share the same label.

We are not passive in this game of life. Like Rahab, we have a choice in the midst of our biggest battles – to melt in fear or march forward on God’s side. We can choose to let past choices direct our future or choose to let God use our past for good. We can choose to wear our labels and let them define us, or we can learn all we can from them and use those lessons to bless others.

“Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent.” Joshua 4: 17

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1: 4

What will you choose?

Until next time,
Melissa