Pause

Reconciliation is nothing short of a miracle. Reconciliation preserves a relationship that could have just as easily been flung aside. Reconciliation is always a good reason for celebration. It is life-giving.

The first step in reconciliation is letting go of the past. The more we hold on to the way we think things should have been, the less likely we are to see the opportunity emerging for a brand new way. God is always able to offer us a new ending. All we have to do is recognize that the story isn’t over yet, and turn back to the One who loves us unconditionally.

Listen

"But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him."

Luke 15:17-20

Think

How wonderful it is to be embraced and forgiven! Nothing that we can do can separate us from the love of God. God’s love is the caring love of a parent who remembers all our ups and downs, but who wants nothing more than to lift us up. Even when we forget who we are, God remembers.

When we turn back to God, we leave our old selves behind and start a new chapter in our lives. God is always ready to add a new twist into our story.

David Schaefers

Pray

Your love overwhelms me, because it is more than I deserve. Pick me up again, my God. I am yours. I was lost but you found me. Amen.

Go

God loves a new beginning. It doesn’t matter who you were yesterday, last month, or last year; if you are still breathing, God has a brand new plan for your life. Labels and stereotypes mean nothing to the One who created you.

Your story was made to intersect God’s bigger story over and over again. Wherever you are, God has put you there; God has a purpose in your being where you are. Christ, who lives in your heart, has something in mind to do through you, exactly where you are.

Believe this and go in God’s grace, power, and love.