Behind the Battle - Discouragement - Day 4

2 Timothy 4:11 -- Paul, near the end of his life, asks for John Mark to be brought to him, stating that John Mark is useful for ministry -- a remarkable reversal from the sharp disagreement recorded in Acts 15.

Somewhere between Acts 15 and 2 Timothy 4, a conversation took place that Scripture does not record in detail. Paul and John Mark had to face each other. Repentance had to be offered. Forgiveness had to be extended. Trust had to be rebuilt over time. The result was that the man Paul once refused to take on a journey became someone Paul specifically requested at the end of his life. Restoration is real. It is not always fast, and it is not always comfortable, but it is available to every person willing to take the first step back. You do not have to know the whole road. You only need to take the next step. God will handle the rest.

Is there a relationship, a calling, or a commitment you walked away from that God may be inviting you to return to?

Take one concrete step today toward restoration -- whether that means making a phone call, writing a note, returning to a ministry, or simply praying for someone you have been avoiding.

God believes in you and so do we,
P Richie