The God Who Restores

Isn't it sad that despite what we know to be right, we still make foolish mistakes because we drift away from God for just a moment... Because we choose our own way. Because we do not allow Him to do for us that which He longs to do. We tie His hands. The all-powerful, all-wise, all-knowing God of the universe is limited by us?! Because we think we know better. We think we know ourselves. 

Even our best efforts end as but hopeless failures. For in and of ourselves we can do absolutely nothing. 

Yet though we have fallen so far, He does not leave us. All along He seeks to bring us back to Himself. From the emptiness of self-service, to His banqueting table where we can be truly filled. From the love of empty pleasures to a knowledge of the depth of His heart. He strives to win our hearts, never forcing, always loving. 

"Not one soul who in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power....Angels of God will walk on either side of them, even in this world, and they will stand at last among the angels that surround the throne of God." – {PK 587.1}

And when He restores, it's perfect. Better than what was before we fell. Closer to Himself than ever before. Hearts overflowing with love and gratitude to the One who has plucked us as brands from the burning.

"We have been great sinners, but Christ died that we might be forgiven. The merits of his sacrifice are sufficient to present to his Father in our behalf. Those to whom he has forgiven most will love him most, and will stand nearest to his throne to praise him for his great love and infinite sacrifice. It is when we most fully comprehend the love of God that we best realize the sinfulness of sin, and the fullness of salvation. When we see the length of the chain that was let down for us, and understand something of the merits of that infinite sacrifice that Christ has made for us, the heart is melted with tenderness and contrition. – {ST March 11, 1889 Par. 3}