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

The Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.” And so that place is called Gilgal to this day.

Joshua 5:9

Think

God is in the forgiving business, and always has been. Sometimes we like to hold onto our past so tightly that we cannot see what new things God is doing among us. What makes it even worse is that we are so often afraid to go forward, into the unknown. We would rather stick to the things we have known, even if they were not really good for us.

God, however, is not content with us sticking to the past. There are new places that are calling our names. Even while we are on our journey, we are called to be ambassadors to God’s Kingdom.

David Schaefers

Pray

Guide my paths, loving and faithful God. Give me stamina and courage for the journey. When I am lost, take my hand and guide me. When I am found, equip me to be your servant. 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.