24-Aug-2024 – God is ready to restore you

Published by Bro. Sunil Binkam on August 24, 2024August 24, 2024

Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. -Isaiah 60:15

Today, God is speaking deeply to each one of you reading this devotional. This chapter is about restoration—a glorious restoration. If we look at the verse above, we see that the person God is addressing was forsaken and hated. To be forsaken means to be abandoned or deserted, implying that this person was once loved and cared for but is now rejected and hated. But who forsook and hated this person?

“For in my wrath I smote thee.” – Isaiah 60:10

It was God Himself, in His wrath, who disowned, abandoned, and hated him. Our God is loving and merciful, so if He hated someone, it must be because that person did something serious against God and His will.

Now, let us pause and reflect on our own lives. We have heard the gospel of our salvation in Jesus Christ, through His blood shed on the cross of Calvary. We accepted God’s call for our salvation in Jesus Christ. We changed our identity from enemies of God to children of God. God loved us and claimed us as His own. But now, what is our situation? Are we living according to our new identity? Are we reflecting the glory of God—in our families, among friends, at work, with our neighbors and strangers, even on social media? Or are we living as children of the world?

Are we experiencing success and a divine sense of satisfaction in what we do? Are we finding joy in the presence of God? Do we still have the same longing to enter God’s presence, meditate on His Word, and participate in His service? If your answer in your heart is “no,” then today, God is speaking to you. If your answer is “yes,” then God is encouraging you.

“For in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favor have I had mercy on thee.” – Isaiah 60:10

Because you lost your first love due to the influence of your flesh and the world, God’s wrath was kindled, and you are experiencing a lackluster spiritual journey. But today, God wants to shower His mercy upon you.

“Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.” – Isaiah 60:15

God’s will is to transform your life into a glorious testimony for Him and a joyful memory for generations to come. This is a loving call that God is extending to you and me. We may have lived a failed spiritual life thus far, regretting our participation in things God hates. But if we truly heed today’s call from God, there is still hope.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

God is merciful, and His desire to make you a joyful remembrance to many does not mean He will simply wipe away your sins and declare you righteous without justice. If that were the case, God would not be righteous. God provided the Lord Jesus Christ as the propitiation for our sins. Whenever you repent and confess in the name of Jesus Christ, the sacrifice on the cross of Calvary is remembered and applied to your life, and you will be cleansed and prepared for the promised mercy and grace of God, becoming a glorious and joyful testimony of Him.

So today, enter into the presence of God and pour out your heart in prayer. Whatever you remember during your introspection and retrospection, confess it before God’s feet in prayer. But remember, this can only be done with true repentance. Repentance itself is sincere remorse and regret for wrongdoing. However, in our generation, we have reached a point where we must emphasize “true repentance.” May God help us encounter Him in our prayers today!

Prayer

Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for giving me another chance today. Thank You for being merciful toward me and offering me another opportunity. You are a righteous God—help me to confess my sins before You so that I may receive forgiveness and be prepared for the joyful testimony You have promised. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!