Psalm 103:4 "Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies."

There are four women who are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. One might think they would be Sarah, or Rebekah..or even Rachel or Leah...the wives of the Old Testament patriarchs. But instead, they are Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba...three of whom had morally questionable backgrounds.
Tamar resorted to deception and prostitution to produce children through her father in law. Yet, it was from her line, the tribe of Judah, that the Messiah came. Rahab was a gentile, and a prostitute in Jericho, who became a believer in the God of Abraham. She also became the mother of Boaz, who married Ruth.
Ruth was morally upright, but as a Moabitess, she was a gentile, and was therefore considered unclean. Yet, she became the grandmother of David, whom the Jews regard as a great King. Bathsheba committed adultery with David. Later, she gave birth to Solomon, from whose royal line Jesus was descended.
When I see these stories in the scriptures, I am reminded that He...Jesus...is greater than our sins. Where sin might abound, Grace much more abounds. Even when the world might want to disqualify us, He qualifies us to be His...and to be blessed...and to be loved!
God is a God of second chances. He is actually a God of many chances. The stories of these women aren't that different from many of our own stories. They show that even when we have troubles...even when we've had a past...even when it's been of our own making...these events in our lives do not have to be final...or fatal. The Lord receives us...just the way we are...He loves us right where we are at. He can change any situation...but more importantly, He changes US. He makes US new. He redeems our life from destruction. He loves. He restores. He forgives. He is the Friend Who is closer than a brother...Who would never leave us.
Friends, do not look at your present circumstances and be discouraged. Trust the One Who has redeemed your life from destruction, and Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies. Trust the One Who qualifies the disqualified.