Read this Scripture: ‘“I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen…I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes”’ (vv. 11-12, 14 NLT). The Israelites went through a long period of suffering because of their sins – seventy years of captivity. But God said, ‘I still have a plan for you.’ Have you sinned and gone through a season of correction and now you’re wondering if God has turned His back on you? God may correct you, but He will never reject you! Two chapters later, God says to the same group of people, ‘I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. I will rebuild you’ (Jeremiah 31:3-4 NLT). Note the word ‘rebuild’. Your life may have fallen apart, but God can rebuild it. The Bible’s theme is restoration. King David committed adultery and murder, but when he repented, God fully restored him. And the Bible says, ‘After David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors’ (Acts 13:36 NLT). How would you like to have those words on your gravestone? You can! The Prodigal Son’s older brother was angry with their father because he forgave and restored his younger brother. But his father restored him anyway. You cannot undo the fact of your past sins, but God can heal you from the effects of them. Just come to Him today; take that first step!
