January 5, 2026 Devo

The prophets are a bit of a downer to read because they are filled with a lot of doom and gloom. It’s not meant to discourage the Israelites. It’s actually meant to warn them and push them toward the path of righteousness. But woven throughout all of this “Debbie Downer” writing, there is a theme that I don’t want you to miss. Restoration. In the midst of all our mess, God works miracles.
As Isaiah gives the people warning after warning about what’s about to happen to them as a result of their disobedience, he holds up our verse today as a rope of hope. Despite their sin, God won’t abandon them. Despite their unfaithfulness, God will remain faithful. And even though their rebellion will bring about horrible consequences and destruction, it won’t be the end. If they repent, God will forgive. He will not only wipe away their past, He will help them rebuild their future. The lives they have torn apart, God will restore.
Restoration. Is that a good word for YOU this year? Was last year a year of messes and mistakes? God can forgive. He can also use all the pieces of those messes and mistakes to help shape you into a new person this year. Was this past year one of heartbreak and pain? Believe it or not, God can bring healing to your brokenness. He can also restore you, strengthen you, and make you whole. God can take our setbacks and turn them into setups. He can take our failures and turn them into a foundation for success. He can even take our addictions and turn them into platforms for ministry.
I want to encourage you today to bring all the broken pieces and messed-up parts of your life last year and lay them at the Savior’s feet. Confess your failures and sins. Repent of your desire to live life your way. Declare your allegiance and dependence upon Him. Let God be the ray of light to all of last year’s doom and gloom and give you what no one else can. Restoration. That’s God’s Word for you today.