Did you know rainbows are not an arc? Rainbows are actually full circles. Only from a heavenly perspective can one see the full circle with all of the brilliant colors.

Years ago, it might not have looked like it, but I was overcome by the odds. I was at a loss at what to do. My circumstances seemed impossible. I needed God to show up in my storm, and I needed a miracle.

We had been trying to have a baby for almost seven years. I had been to the specialists with no answers, tried holistic treatments, prayed and waited. Nothing worked. God was kind to me through the infertility process, giving me specific encouragement, visions, and dreams, and I believed Him. But even with all of that, I became emotionally exhausted and needed Him to act. 

Do you ever get to a point with God that you almost wish He hadn’t promised you something because the waiting and battles to receive it are more than you can emotionally stand? That’s where I was while I was in one of my most favorite and beautiful places in God’s creation.

God saw me in the waters of the Pacific while on vacation in Hawaii. I swam out from the shore by myself. In a place where I should have been thankful, I cried out to Him while I let waves of His constant love wash over me. I was a little angry and frustrated. I told Him so. I was real and raw with my Savior, swimming in His creation. My salty tears mixed with the Pacific Ocean. I reminded Jesus of His promises and told Him I needed Him to come through.

I boarded a plane that afternoon, not totally sure what the future held. But the next month, God changed my situation and increased my faith: I was carrying my miracle child. I was overcome with a wave of complete joy. I’ve never been so amazed, relieved, and thankful.

Fast forward another seven years. I stood on the same beach, playing in the same waves with my living, breathing answer to prayer, my daughter Gabrielle. The Holy Spirit helped me realize at that moment that it was seven years to the day from the gut-wrenching prayer that she and I were standing there. God had brought me full circle.

I began paying attention to God’s goodness working together in every detail and His beautiful orchestration of my life, and I felt so loved in such a special place because of the redemptive circle He was showing me. His loving hand was like a rainbow over the island going back to redeem parts of my story that were extremely hard, showing me He was there, and healing my heart with the revelation of this redemptive circle.

A redemptive circle is when God reaches back in our story and redeems what has caused us pain — a rainbow of grace and mercy. It’s always out of our control. But God demonstrates His authority over time. He redeems circumstances and what we think is out of the question, making the situation right on our behalf and healing our hearts in the process. 

Redemptive circles help us not get stuck in the past or in pain but empower us to have peace and move forward, able to follow Jesus in freedom. 

I floated out to my sacred spot in the ocean with Gabrielle, and we talked to Jesus. I thanked Him with happy tears for the miracle He gave me in her, for answering prayers, for keeping His promises, and for bringing me back to that same spot to remind me of His love for us.

Are you in the middle of a storm looking for a rainbow? Does today seem impossible? And tomorrow something you just don’t want to face if God doesn’t show up? Do you feel desperate in your situation? Do you feel unloved by others or even by God?

God sees exactly what you are going through. God not only sees you, but He cares about your hard stories. He will reach back like a rainbow and redeem them, now or later. But you can ask Him to make it right. Then, like Hagar in Genesis 16:13, you will see God — showing up to fight for you, at work behind the scenes on your behalf, actively fulfilling His promises, and redeeming the most difficult parts of your story.

God really comes through on His promises. He answers our prayers in His timing. He creates new life in all kinds of beautiful, unexpected ways. God is trying to show you His faithfulness in your life if you will pay attention.

When you see a rainbow, remember God can rescue you and will redeem the storm you’re facing.

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