Are you ready for a comeback?

Written by Jesse T Gambanga

Susan’s Story
That Sunday morning, Susan felt the anxiety within her build up again.This time her hands trembled so much that she couldn’t hold the lipstick still.She was worried.She thought of how large a congregation would be and of cause, the thousand stares she was gonna get the moment she stepped right into the Parish.
Everyone knew her, from the pastor, church elders and the Sunday school kids she used to teach.She knew that everyone would surely talk about her.She felt ashamed.Two years back she wasn’t the woman she had became.She was the dedicated church girl who used to sing in choir and teach kids about Jesus.She wished to turn back the hands of time and correct shameful mistakes she had made especially that of having an affair with Mr Mbeva, the church deacon.
It happened 2 years ago and she never again went to church.Only now, after having a talk with the youth advisor from church did she feel the need to go back again.She had repented and she felt ready.However that morning as she prepared, she suddenly felt discouraged.She knew for a fact that she was never gonna get any warm welcome.A lot of people in the community were already regarding her as a shameless prostitute especially the women from church.At that thought she couldn’t help but weep as she took off her dress and shoes.“Maybe next time when I am really ready,”She whispered to the woman in the mirror.

ARE YOU READY FOR A COMEBACK?

We all at some point have fallen.We have done shameful terrible things some only known by God.No one is perfect.The word of God even says,
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” 1John 1:8 NKJV

However, that doesn’t mean we are nolonger worthy to go back before God, beg for mercy and be forgiven.

The reason why the church today keeps losing souls is because not everyone would want to go back and face the judgement of fellow believers.

It is the other believers who are constantly discouraging others to come back to Christ even after they have repented.
Jesus as our shepherd is always ready to recieve that one lost sheep but it seems very impossible now because of the opinions of the other ninety-nine!
People fear judgement thus they feel unwelcome at church after they have made mistakes.No one wants to associate with them anymore and they are constantly reminded of their past mistakes.

There is this song by a Zimbabwean Gospel artist, Matheas Mhere which says, “Zvivi zvawakatadza kare kare vanongotaura nezvazvo.Mwari vakakuregerera kare kare asi vanongotaura nezvazvo” meaning, They keep talking about your past sins even though God already forgave you of them”

But what happened to love?What happened to forgiveness?What did Christ teach about forgiveness?

I have a lot of questions because my heart bleeds each time I see someone who used to be a dedicated believer but somehow fell along the road, failing to come back again.
Many people feel the need to come back to God but because of the church they really get discouraged.
I know many who have been there before.Its so hard to go back to church when you know all you will get is mockery and finger pointing.
If you are reading this article and deep down feel you are ready for a comeback then I thank God because I feel God is talking to you.
He says come back my son.Come back my daughter.It doesn’t matter what the ninety-nine are going to say about you.
Yes they will judge you and yes they will look at you and still see the old person but it is the Lord who looks not at the past.All He needs is the broken you to be fixed.He need your heart for he looks not at what’s outside but what’s inside.He loves you and He wants you back!
Are you ready for a comeback?
I bet you are because now is the time to go back to God.Please don’t say“ Maybe next time”.Don’t wait for tommorow because tommorow might be too late.
God loves you and so do I.