Daily devotional, April 25, 2024 Total Wreck
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9
One of the worst things that could happen to a vehicle is to become a total wreck. Totally wrecked cars not only mean financial loss, it is also usually accompanied by death or severe life-altering injuries. And it does not usually end there, the incident also inflicts trauma on both the victims and their loved ones.
Nowadays, the word “total wreck” does not only allude to accidents and vehicular condition, it is also being used to describe someone who feels like they are in a bad physical or mental state.
As followers of Jesus, we can remind ourselves that no matter our past and what we are going through in the present, our Savior will never see us as a “total wreck.” In His eyes, we will always be His priceless creation that He will always hold dear.
"Since you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.”
Isaiah 43:4
We may see ourselves as a failure because the world may see us that way, but in Christ, we can be victorious. His presence in our life will remind us that our worth is not defined by how other people see us. That our true worth is in Him.
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
When we are parched beyond words for other people’s care, understanding and forgiveness, our Lord offers His merciful embrace. His hand of grace. When others cannot seem to let go of our mistakes, He gives us a chance to rest, recollect ourselves, and move forward.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
When the persons nearest and dearest to us turn their backs on us one by one, the Lord assures us that He will stay.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
And while He never promises a problem-free life, He assures us help to endure our trials. He promises to be there with us, walk with us, and deliver us. That He will give us the spiritual strength to outlast our difficulties, the means to withstand our trials, and the peace amidst the storms of our lives.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27
And when we think that we are at the end of our rope, when we start to believe that there is no solution to any of our problems, let us remember that our Wonderful Lord promises life. He reminds us that He came to allow us to live a purposeful existence, and that He loved us even when we were still sinners.
"I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
John 10:9-11
As followers of Jesus, we should always remember that there is no sin that is beyond His pardon. That He will never condemn us. And as long as we repent and step away from our sins, He will forgive us and make us new. We can start a whole new life with Him even if we see ourselves as totally wrecked and completely damaged.
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
Ezekiel 36:26
All we need to do is to come to Him, accept His Lordship in our lives, ask for the forgiveness of our sins and stop doing them. Start a life of obedience. It is never too late to come to Him.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on 2 Corinthians 4:7:18 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you feel like a total wreck? How can knowing that Jesus sees you as His precious one help you regain your confidence?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you very much for assuring me that no one is beyond your grace, healing and mercy. Thank you for offering me the gift of new life. For allowing me to put my concerns by your feet. May you continue to strengthen me so that I can live a life of obedience to you. Amen.