Today we’re going to discuss something that is sensitive to many of us: our pasts. Yep, I’m going there because I know firsthand how much baggage we carry around—mistakes, regrets, labels we wish we could shed. You know what I mean. But the good news is, our pasts don’t disqualify us from God’s purpose. And if you doubt me, let’s take a moment to chat about Rahab.
Rahab’s story in Joshua 2 isn’t exactly what you’d expect from a Sunday school lesson, right? She wasn’t a queen or prophetess. In fact, she was known primarily for her occupation as a prostitute. She lived on the fringes of society, probably whispered about and judged harshly by people who thought they had it all together. (Sound familiar?)
But here’s where things get good. When Israelite spies came to scout out Jericho, Rahab didn’t hesitate. She sheltered them, risked her life, and boldly declared faith in a God she barely knew (but clearly trusted more than her own city's defenses). Let’s pause right there. This woman, whose entire identity was wrapped up in being an outsider, recognized God’s hand in her story and seized the chance to align herself with a greater purpose.
