You’ve never gone too far that God can’t redeem you, restore you, forgive you, and give you a second chance. ~Lysa TerKeurst
In the first season of The Chosen video series, episode one, we meet Mary Magdalene, suffering from being possessed by demons and completely without hope. We see her struggling, broken, and clinging to barely a thread. At the end of the episode, she encounters Jesus who looks at her with the most tender and loving look and says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name. You are mine.” (Which is from Isaiah 43:1).
Friends, this quote may not resonate with you personally, but I am sure you can think of someone in your life who may feel this way. So many feel they have made too many mistakes, their sins are too great, they have gone astray for far too long for God to redeem them. But that’s what is different about God – He’s not like us and we can’t go too far for a second chance.
It also reminds me of Psalm 139 verses 7-12.
7Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
Dr. Negley used this scripture in a funeral service last December and it really resonated with me. I finally started to grasp the idea that it didn’t matter what I did or where I went, God was there with me. We are never too far gone from God’s grasp. Thank you, Lord, for that comfort and peace.
Prayer
Almighty God, no matter where I go or what I do, You are right there with me. I can’t hide from You, flee from You, or run away from You. Thank you, Lord, for always being there and always giving me a second chance. I praise you that Your mercies are new every morning. Amen.