Chad
Pennington is a former American football player who has suffered multiple
career-threatening injuries. Twice, his injuries forced him to endure surgery,
months of physical therapy, and weeks of training to get back onto the field.
Yet, both times he not only returned to playing but he also excelled at such a
high level that he was named Comeback Player of the Year in the National
Football League. For Pennington, his efforts were an expression of his
determination to return to football.
Spiritually,
when sin and failure break our relationship with God and sideline our service,
determination alone is not what restores us to rightness with God and
usefulness in His kingdom. When we are sidelined because of sin, the path to a
comeback is confession as well. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John
1:9).
For us to be able to recover from our spiritual failings, we are absolutely dependent on the One who gave Himself for us. And that gives us hope. Christ, who died for us, loves us with an everlasting love and will respond with grace as we confess our faults to Him. Through confession, we can find His gracious restoration—the greatest of all comebacks.
Confession is the path that leads to restoration. (RBC)
