Turning It Around
Turning It Around
Though we are slaves, our God has not abandoned us in our slavery. He has extended grace to us in the presence of the Persian kings, giving us new life, so that we can rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. (Ezra 9:9)
History of Mistakes
From Genesis through 2 Chronicles we read the history of the Jewish people—delivery from slavery, the inheritance of a land rich with God’s blessings, the rise and fall of government, and then the results of their disobedience to God. Sadly we find characteristics in their history we can relate to: the tendency to substitute our goals and methods for God’s, compromising what we know He wants from us. Disobedience to God had a high cost not only for the ancient Israelites but also for us and for those around us.
Future of Hope
Ezra 9:9 reveals an awesome truth for those still carrying the consequences of poor choices. Though we’re still dealing with the effect of our sins, God is still with us and is still working in our situation. He has not abandoned us in our slavery. He provides a way for us to be freed from our bad habits and sinful tendencies, to be restored to a right relationship with Him, and to be useful to Him despite our pasts.
Don’t listen to the voice that says you’ve messed up too badly or are disqualified from service. That’s the enemy’s tactic to keep you from accepting God’s gift of redemption.
Bottom Line
If you or someone you know is burdened by regret, take heart. You’re not alone—God is right there with you, ready to give you new life!