The cry for forgiveness and the plea for strength spring from the same holy source, they rise from a heart that knows its indebtedness to God and feels that it can never discharge the debt. Let me proclaim to every sinner here who acknowledges his indebtedness to God and feels that he can never discharge it, that if you will come and put your trust in Christ, the Lord promises oblivion to all your debt, forgiveness of the whole of your sins! It is a deed of forgiveness, and in speaking of it, I shall speak first of its being a divine forgiveness, "I, even I, am he." There is forgiveness with God even for you, however sinful your life may have been up until now. It is surprising forgiveness, for the text speaks as if God himself were surprised that such sins should be remitted: "I, even, I;" it is so surprising that it is repeated in this way, lest any of us should doubt it. If you have been the chief of sinners, you may have the chief of sinner’s forgiveness, and God can bestow it now.
This forgiveness is complete, for where God draws no limit, do not you draw any. He not only forgave us at the first all our sins, but he continues daily to forgive, for the act of forgiveness is a continuous one. We have in him a full forgiveness, and let it be remembered that this forgiveness which God has given us for Christ’s sake is an eternal forgiveness. It is absolute, irreversible, God never plays fast and loose with men. There is forgiveness, but that forgiveness is only to be obtained from God, through Jesus Christ, His Son.
Now, as for strength while fasting, they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Human strength is of many kinds, but in any form it will spend itself in due time. The reason is that all strength apart from God is derived strength and is, consequently, measurable. Oh, the glory of the strength of God! He increases strength to those who have no might, and to be strengthened with strength in the Lord is, of all things, the most desirable. When there remains no strength in you, nor any ability of any kind or sort, then fling yourself upon the Divine strength and lay hold upon it. The Lord Himself says, "I will strengthen them." Perhaps that strength will be gradually received, and while you are yet without strength, believe that Christ died for the ungodly. The forgiveness is first, and the returning to the Lord is urged as a consequence of that forgiveness. So seek Him now, with this whisper driving away despair, there is forgiveness, and there is strength for the waiting soul.