The world has experienced unprecedented challenges the last few years. We had to face sickness, sudden loss of loved ones, financial crises, marital and family problems and closure of churches. Now we face wars, uprisings and further rumours of wars.

One thing is for certain, the kingdom of darkness has been hard at work to bring fear, despair, doubt, unbelief and even death. Why? Satan’s agenda is to separate us from God; to cause us to doubt God’s goodness, mercy and love because he knows his time is running out and his day of eternal judgment is beckoning.

I know that these difficult times have caused many to drift away from God, isolate themselves and fall into all kinds of sin and bondage. You might feel that you have sinned to such a degree that it feels impossible to return to God.

I want to encourage you today…

God has not forgotten you. He is looking for an opportunity to welcome you back, just like the father of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). And not only welcome you back, but also restore you to your original position as son and heir. It does not matter what you have done; there is no sin that Jesus cannot forgive, sickness He cannot heal or problem He cannot solve.

In fact, Jesus Christ is seeking you! Just look at the life of Moses (Exodus 2 -3) – he killed a man, tried to cover it up and ran away, but God appeared to him in the burning bush. As soon as Moses paid attention, God took the opportunity to restore his life.

What about king David (2 Samuel 11-12)? A man after God’s own heart, right? He sexually assaulted another man’s wife and when she became pregnant, he tried to cover it up. After the cover-up failed, David orchestrated the husband’s death in battle. And if that was not enough, he took Bathsheba to be his wife. Nevertheless, God in his goodness and mercy sent a prophet, Nathan, to correct him and when David realised his sin, he sought the Lord and He forgave David and restored his life.

Then we have Saul (Acts 7:54-60 & 8:1-24), the great persecutor of the church, going from city to city, harassing believers and throwing them in prison. He was not only present when Stephen was murdered, but condoned him and supported his death. Jesus Christ, in His great love, however sought Saul out and not only forgave him, but also converted him into one of the very ones he hated and persecute – a Christian.

So, what do they all have in common? All three men were notorious sinners – murderers and adulterers, but not even that could separate them from the love of God. God did not only forgive their sins and restore their lives, but also made them some of the greatest prophets and apostles to have ever walked the earth. Today we do not think of them as murders and adulterers, but as great heroes of faith and men after God’s own heart.

What about you? Are you ready to return to God? He is searching for you, longing for you!

Jesus has sent me to you, to call you back to Him. He is waiting for your attention. Just respond to Him and He will not only forgive and restore your life, but also rewrite your future just as He did for Moses, David and Saul.

It is never too late. Come back! 

Prayer:

Father, I come back to you, please forgive me. I believe Jesus died for all my sins, on the third day rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and is now seated at Your right hand. I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I give my heart completely to You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and restore to me the joy of your salvation in Jesus Name. Amen.