Daily Devotional, Sept 30, 2023 Return to Manufacturer
“Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds." Hosea 6:1
Great companies are known to offer fair and comprehensive product guarantees given their confidence in their product’s quality and workmanship. The Manufacturer’s Warranty that they give for every purchase comes as an assurance that the product is manufactured with the highest product standards. And so if ever it malfunctions, the customer can rest assured that the manufacturer can surely repair or replace it.
Whenever people experience issues or difficulties that render them broken, they too should seek their “manufacturer’s guarantee” that they can be repaired. The Gospel of Matthew clearly states our Creator’s call for us to come to Him “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28). And unlike human manufacturers, our Creator will always find a way to mend us. For Him, there is nothing and no one beyond repair. (“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10)
Going back to our creator in essence means going down on our knees, confessing and repenting on our sins that led us to our brokenness. It means consulting our owner’s manual — that is the bible — to guide us on how to go about getting fixed. And seeking the help of authorized repair centers, which is the Church, established to help fellow believers to get back into their feet. (“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another,agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)
On the contrary Do-It-Yourself (DIY) fixes such as turning to drugs, gambling, alcoholism, sexual immorality, stress eating, over consumption and the like do more harm than good. It is like seeking repair from “unauthorized service centers” that could lead to a possible short term fix but long-term damage, or worse — total product failure.
When depressed, anxious, and broken, all we should do is to go back to our Creator. He promises to mend us, and make us new once again (“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17). There is nothing beyond repair for Him, and He knows us inside out. There is nothing He cannot fix, there is no problem He cannot solve.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 71:20-21, and Matthew 11:28-30 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you broken? When will you finally run to your manufacturer for repair?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, only you can fully restore me. Give me the confidence to surrender all my troubles to you, so that I can be fully healed both in mind and body, Amen.