Session 4

Change starts with a choice

From Jeremiah: A 33-Day Devotional

Have you ever restored an old piece of furniture? There’s potential beyond the outdated paint, spots of rust, and decades of caked-on dirt. But it’s going to take some tough work.

In Jeremiah 4:1-4, God wants to see a similar kind of restoration in His people. God sees past our sin and rebellion to the potential He placed inside of us before we were born. God does the heavy work by changing our hearts and removing our sin through a relationship with Jesus. But He asks us to take the first step of leaving our old ways behind and turning to Him.   

Just like a restored table gets new life in a new home, when we choose to follow Jesus’ example, we receive a new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Turning away from our old ways might be difficult — what some would call “a scrubbing with a rough brush.” But the end result of discovering a the new purpose and plan Jesus has for us are more fulfilling than anything we leave behind.

God wants us to experience this restoration so badly that He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get our attention. He sends Jeremiah with warning after warning, trying to get Israel’s attention, and He does the same for us today. We can repent willingly, or we can refuse His help and experience the consequences.

Reflect:

• Is there any sin in your life you need to turn away from?   
• What’s one step you can take today to turn back to God and submit that area of your life to Him?
• Overcoming sin is something we don’t have to do alone. Find friends who are willing to pray with you and for you in the Care Room on Sundays or by joining a NewSpring Group.