“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” — Acts 3:19-20 (NIV)
In Acts 3, Peter performed a miracle—he healed a man who couldn’t walk. The crowd was amazed. However, Peter didn’t bask in the attention. Instead, he used that moment to speak hard truth with bold love.
He told the people to repent and turn to God. Their sins would be wiped away. Times of refreshing would come from the Lord. That hard truth wasn’t just for the people in that crowd. He meant it for all of us. It doesn’t matter if you’re 16 or 60. Maybe you’ve followed Jesus for decades. Perhaps you just recently surrendered to Him. Peter’s message still applies to you today.
We all fall short. And we all carry sin. Along with that, everyone knows what it feels like to live under the weight of guilt or shame. Of course, that’s exactly where the enemy wants to keep us.
He whispers:
- “You messed up again. You’re a disappointment to God.”
- “If people knew what you were dealing with, they’d walk away.”
- “Why even try to confess anymore? You’ll just do it again.”
Here’s the Truth:
- When we acknowledge our sin (and stop hiding) and turn toward God, He doesn’t meet us with shame. He meets us with refreshment.
- He not only forgives, but He also restores. At the same time, He revives our hearts.
God’s heart is not to push you away when you falter. On the contrary, He wants to pull you in. Not to condemn you, but to embrace you. Never to burden you, but to lift the burden off.
An Invitation
That’s what repentance is really about. It’s certainly not a punishment; it’s always an invitation. To begin with, it’s an open door to come back to God, again and again. It’s also a reminder that you’re a new creation.
So, whether you’re still struggling in a secret place and battling the same old patterns. Or possibly just feeling distant from God…don’t run from Him. Run to Him at once. Then talk to Him honestly. Let Him bring the refreshing only He can give.
Take a moment to reflect:
- “Is there anything you’ve been carrying in silence? What lie are you believing that is keeping you from bringing it into the light?”
Then pray:
- “Father, thank You that You never turn us away when we come to You. Thank You for the gift of repentance as well as wiping away our sin. Equally important, You offer us true refreshment in Your presence. Teach us to run to You—not from You—when we fall. Help us more and more to walk in the freedom and grace You so generously give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Running to Him,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor