“Return, O backsliding children,’ says the LORD; ‘for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:14-15 (NKJV)
One day, I pondered on the fact that God says that He's married to the backslider. At the same time, I thought to myself that He also said that nothing could ever separate us from His love (Rom. 8:39). I asked the Lord, "Even though You said You're married to the backslider, what good is loving one and remaining committed to one who has forsaken their commitment to You if they will still die and go to hell?" "How is the love of God beneficial in a person's life in this case?"
God is so kind and patient, and always willing to teach us and not leave us in ignorance. When a person is backslidden, at one point they had accepted Christ into their heart and were living for Him, but then they turned their back on God and went astray. This was the Lord's answer to me (I'll share it in these terms):
"I love the backslider so much that even when you turn your back on me, I won't turn my back on you. When you've forsaken your commitment with me, I'm faithful to keep my commitment with you. Although you have left me, I am still with you. My Spirit is with you, pleading with you to return to me, to live for me, and to do My will. I love you whether you deserve it or not. Nothing you do will ever change that, no matter how bad. My love is with you for the purpose is drawing you back to me to live for me."
This was absolutely overwhelming to me. More than my mind could understand. The love of God is always there to point us back to God when we have lost our way and have gotten out of His will. God is always trying to get the backslider's attention to get you back in place. If you are backslidden, your life is currently out of balance and God is trying to help you get back on track. He loves you and has not given up on you, so don't you give up! It's not too late and you are not out of His reach. He has not changed His mind about you.
You can start by praying this simple prayer:
Lord Jesus,
Forgive me for sinning against You and turning away from You. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I return to You this day, and ask you to live in my heart each and every day. Thank you for restoring my life today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God has given you a clean slate and a fresh start in life. He does not remember anything you have done wrong before this point. And, if you make a mistake don't run from Him, run to Him. He will restore you.
Find a good church where you can learn more about Him and grow and develop spiritually as a person.
God bless you, and please pass this on to someone who needs it. Feel free to leave a comment:)
Kunita
