“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” --Jeremiah 29:11

In December 1914, inventor Thomas Edison’s laboratory burned to the ground. Edison, who stood calmly nearby watching most of his life’s work go up in flames, knew full well his insurance would only cover a fraction of the damage.

However, Edison’s attitude about the fire stunned those around him. The next morning, Edison returned to look at the charred rubble and declared, “There is a great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew.”

Just a few weeks later, Edison produced a spectacular invention: his first phonograph.

The story of Edison’s attitude is similar to how you and I should view our relationship with Jesus Christ. When we accept Him, He makes all things new. Our past mistakes are gone. Psalm 103 says “as far as the east is from the west,” that’s how far He has removed our transgressions from us.

God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to erase your past sins…so that you could start anew!

Prayer Challenge: Thank God for sending His Son Jesus to forgive your sins. And thank Him for the chance to start anew each and every day!