“And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold I am making all things new.”
Rev. 21:5
With one wrong keystroke I wiped out an entire page and a half of writing without even realizing it. I stared in horror at what was lost. How did this happen? What did I do? My computer and I have gone to the mat many times over its self-correcting ways that are not my ways. Now this. Thankfully, I know about the “Undo Button” that reverses mistakes and restores what was lost. With a few pushes, all is forgiven, and I can move forward all the wiser. What a great invention!
Don’t you wish there was an “Undo Button” in life too – a button that you could push that would erase your missteps and costly sins? While many times those errors carry long-term consequences, we have a God of Redemption who can take what was meant for evil and work it for good (Gen. 50:20). He is a loving Father who delights to give His children beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3). Instead of shame, He gives a double portion. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces are never covered in shame (Psalm 34:5). Instead of dishonor, He can cause us to rejoice in our lot. He can give us a double portion and everlasting joy (Isaiah 61:7). We were never intended to carry guilt, shame, and regret. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1).
Like any loving Father, the LORD disciplines those He dearly loves for our own good so that we may share in His holiness. We will surely reap what we’ve sown, but our Father’s discipline yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have humbled themselves to be trained by it. (Gal. 6:7; Hebr. 12:1011) Yes, we may have to live with dire consequences for our sins, but if we are in Christ, we have our Father’s promise that He is causing all things to work together for good according to the counsel of His will (Rom. 8:28; Eph. 1:11). He can restore the years that the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). He can remove our sins as far as the east is from the west. He is willing to cast them into the sea of forgetfulness and remember them no more (Psalm 103:12; Micah 7:19). Though our sins be as scarlet, He is willing to make them white as snow (Isa. 1:18). That’s a glorious “Redo!”
Are you weighed down by a costly mistake or a lapse in judgment that has brought destruction? The LORD wants to help you repair the ruins and raise up the former devastations (Isa. 61:4). He waits to be gracious to you and exalts Himself to show mercy to you (Isa. 30:18). Repent and turn to Him that your sins may be blotted out and times of refreshing may come from His presence. (Isaiah 30:18) His plans are to give you hope and a future (Jer. 29:11) if you’ll surrender to His loving purpose for your life.
Has someone violated you, betrayed you, or stolen from you? Your loving Father wants to avenge you and contend with those who contend with you (Rom. 12:19; Isa. 49:25). He is a God of justice. No creature is hidden from His sight. Before Him all must give an account (Phil. 4:13). Like Jesus, we can entrust ourselves to Him who judges justly and keep on doing good (I Peter 2:23).
Maybe you’re suffering from the loss of a loved one, a job, a failed marriage, a wayward child, failed health, an addiction, a missed opportunity, or the loss of a dream. Maybe you carry deep regret as a yoke that weighs you down and has stolen your joy. Humble yourself and come to the cross for redemption. Receive the Lord’s mercy and grace. Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you (I Peter 5:7). Find your rest in Him (Matt. 10:28). Let Him restore your soul (Ps. 23:3).
No matter what loss you’ve experienced, seek your loving Father and call upon His name. Forsake your unrighteous ways and thoughts, and return to Him. He will have compassion on you and abundantly pardon. (Isa. 55:6-7) He may not undo what has been done, but He can make all things new. (Rev. 21:5) He is the God of the great redo!
“Loving Father, into Your hands I commit my mess. I lay down my grief, my pain, my regrets, and my sins. Have mercy on me, and forgive me. Lord Jesus, thank You for bearing my griefs and sorrows. Thank You for carrying my guilt and shame that I might be set free. I receive Your forgiveness and long to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. Have Your way in me. Teach me, guide me; correct me. Take what the enemy meant for evil, and turn it for good. Please redeem what has been lost and make all things new. Thank You, LORD.”
~Lisa Moore