"We spent the night at a prostitute's house." That might have not been the best report to bring back, but that's the way it was. "Then Joshua the son of Nun sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim, saying, 'Go, view the land, especially Jericho.' So they went and came into the house of a harlot whose name was Rahab, and lodged there." (Joshua 2.1)
We've likely heard the story of how Joshua fought the battle of Jericho. God miraculously gave this city over to the people of God, but spies were first sent to spy out the land and the city. Now, it seems like a poor choice to hang out at a prostitute's house, but there's more to the story than meets the eye. This woman of ill-repute had some commendable character qualities. She, along with other city inhabitants, had heard of the great things God had done for the people of Israel. She openly confessed, "the LORD your God, He is God of heaven above and on earth beneath." (Joshua 2.11) She not only acknowledged this great truth; she also lived by it in faith, as we learn in Hebrews 11.31. And, we find her listed in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1.
The point is that God can use anyone, regardless of their past. No doubt Rahab left her former occupation and became a godly wife and mother, as her faith directed her lifestyle. It doesn't really matter where and what we've been; what matters is who we are today in God through Christ. Putting the past behind, may you find a fresh, faith-filled new beginning today.
©Steve Taylor, 2016 --Used by permission
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045