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During the Civil War, a man who’d deserted his post was about to be punished. He appealed to President Lincoln. Lincoln pardoned the man on condition that he return to duty. The man was so grateful, he went back and died fighting with Lincoln’s note of pardon stuck in his uniform. Though once a quitter, he came back to serve with honor. Like this man, many who failed God have returned to serve Him with honor. They find that God is eager to pardon and empower us when we do. God told ancient Israel of His readiness to fulfill His purpose in them despite their failure. God said through Isaiah the prophet in Chapter 44, “I am the First and the Last, there is no other. Who is like me? Let him step forward and prove to you his power. Let him do as I have done since ancient times when I established a people and explained its future. Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one!” God showed His forgiving character further when He sent the promised Messiah into the world. Through Christ, God now saves us and empowers us to fulfill His purpose for us. God is the most reliable promise-maker and promise keeper the world will ever know. That is why we cling to Him for forgiveness, wisdom, and power to live productively in this life, and to secure our future forever.
