READING: Habakkuk, 2 Corinthians 7
Over the years of my ministry, I cling to the great testimonies of men and women the Lord grabbed, called to repentance, and saved. I think of T, who agonized long over his sin before he repented one night in his living room. I also think of G, a mean man dramatically changed by God’s grace. And, I think of my own dad, who became a Christ-follower at age 71. I rejoice even today when I think of these folks.
Then, I’m also mindful of folks who were wandering believers, but who turned again to follow Christ fully. C, who overcame sexual immorality by God’s grace. A, who got angry with his church, stopped attending, but returned asking forgiveness from his brothers and sisters. C, who had lived a mundane Christian life until she learned of the power of the Spirit and began to lean on God’s presence. A, who began to deal with addictions a few years after his salvation but later found God’s grace sufficient to call him back. Again, I rejoice.
In today’s New Testament reading, here’s how Paul expressed his own joy over the repentant Corinthians:
- “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus, and not only by his arrival but also by the comfort he received from you. He told us about your deep longing, your sorrow, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.” (2 Cor 7:6-7)
- “I now rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance.” (2 Cor 7:9)
- “In addition to our own comfort, we rejoiced even more over the joy Titus had, because his spirit was refreshed by all of you.” (2 Cor 7:13)
- “I rejoice that I have complete confidence in you.” (2 Cor 7:16)
May God use us today as instruments as He transforms folks around us—and may we then rejoice with great joy.
PRAYER: “God, grant me grace to be Your instrument. Call others back, and let me rejoice.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Zephaniah, Psalm 74, 2 Corinthians 8
