What is Your Redemption Story?

My grandmother came to know the Lord in her thirties and, much like a child at bedtime, I never tire of hearing the story.

When she speaks of how Jesus saved her and changed her life, this already beautiful woman lights up with wonder—and I walk away wanting more of what she has.

I think, “I want to experience God’s love that deeply. I want to be more surrendered, more transformed by the Holy Spirit.”

You see, her testimony points me back to Jesus and what His loving hands can do with a life—any life, even my life. And I’m so grateful she shared her story with me over the years.

The truth is that every time she shared with me, she was doing what we’re all called to do. Psalm 107:2 says:

“Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe…” (NIV)

If we have accepted Christ, we have been redeemed. And now we’re called to share that story with others.

So, we should each ask ourselves: What is my redemption story? And who needs to hear it? Thankfully, Psalm 107 gives us some helpful insights into these questions.

Question 1: What is my redemption story?

Verse 2 said, ““Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe…” While this verse originally spoke to the Israelites, whom God had saved from exile, it also speaks to us who have been saved by Jesus.

When the Spirit drew us and we turned to Christ by faith, we were bought back from enemy territory. From that point on, we were no longer enslaved to sin or death. Instead, because of Jesus, we were made free and given a brand-new start in Him.

These truths about redemption are vital for people to understand. And yet, instead of just telling us to defineredemption for others, this Psalm urges us to share how redemption played out personally in our lives.

You know, I love that Psalm 107 continues by sharing a variety of redemption stories. It reminds us that while there is only one way to be saved (by grace through faith in Jesus), each person’s salvation story will be as unique as they are.

For example, Psalm 107 demonstrates that God draws people to Himself in a variety of ways.

Some wandered in the desert and their thirst led them to cry out to God (v4-6).
Some sat chained in prison—and that woke them up (v10-13).
Others had a breakdown of health (v17-20), while still others faced storms as they sailed deep waters (v23-28).

The circumstances these people faced varied. Yet the struggles in their circumstances led each of them to cry out to the LORD.

Have you experienced this in your own story? I know I have.

So, as we consider our testimonies, we should ask: “How has God used the circumstances of my life to lead me to Him?”

This is a fun question to explore because it often reveals how God was at work before we were even aware of Him. And it also leads us to another question: “What difference has Jesus made in my life since then?”

If we compared our answers to this question, we’d likely have some things in common. Yet there would also be unique aspects, as well.

This is certainly true in Psalm 107’s redemption stories. All of those people experienced God’s deliverance, yet they each had a uniquely personal testimony of what He had done for them.

Some could say that God satisfied their hunger (v9).
Some could say He broke their chains (v14).
Others could say He brought them healing (v20), while still others could say He quieted their storms (v29).

What is your uniquely personal testimony? What difference has Jesus made in your life?

Considering this question reveals how intimately and actively our Savior cares for us. It also makes us want to share our story with others—because what God did for us, He can do for them.

Question 2: Who needs to hear my redemption story?

When we think about our testimonies, we usually only think of sharing them with the lost. And while we certainly need to do that, Psalm 107 broadens our perspective on who needs to hear them.

First, those who share similar struggles need to hear our stories. We are not the only ones in this world to experience emptiness, illness, addictions, heart-wounds and inner storms. So, if God has made a difference in your difficult places, consider that your story could be an incredible witness and encouragement to someone facing similar things right now. You might even point them, for the first time, to their Savior. What an opportunity.

Second, our fellow believers need to hear our stories. Verse 32 encourages us to praise God in the assembly. No matter how long we’ve known Christ, all of us need to be spurred in our faith. We all need to be reminded that God is faithful and trustworthy and still very much at work. So, we can help each other by sharing what we’ve seen Him do. This is what my grandmother did when she shared her story with me and I can tell you that my faith grew because of it. It’s not just unbelievers who need to hear our testimonies.

Third, God needs to hear our stories. Now, “need” is probably the wrong word here. God doesn’t need us to hear our stories, but He does want to hear that we remember and are grateful for what He has done. Time after time in this Psalm we are called to give thanks to the Lord for His works and His deeds. How often do we do this? How often do we recap what God has done for us and then spend time thanking Him for it?

Fourth and finally, we ourselves need to hear our stories. Psalm 107:43 encourages wise people to “ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.” (NIV) The more we remember what God has done in our past, the more we’ll trust Him with our future. So, share your testimony with yourself and be encouraged by God’s personal faithfulness to you.

The redemption story God has written into each of our lives is beautiful and powerful.

I pray we never tire of sharing that story, but that instead, much like my grandmother, we will light up with wonder over what our Lord has done.

This devotion is based on one of the Scriptures from my reading plan: “Summer Soundtrack” on the Psalms. To receive a copy of the reading plan (and future reading plans), sign up for the email list below. Hope you’ll follow along!

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