Most of
us have wanted something so badly that even though we knew it was wrong, we
plunged after it anyway. Later we have felt sorrow for our spiritual
stubbornness and stupidity. In the aftermath of willfully disobeying God, we
may become angry with ourselves, numbed by regret, or resigned to the
consequences of our foolish mistake. But there is another choice.
When the
people of Israel insisted on having a king despite the warnings of Samuel the
prophet (1 Sam. 8:4-9),
God allowed them to have their way. But when they realized the tragic results
of their choice, they asked for Samuel’s help and prayers (12:19). Samuel told
the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn
aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart” (12:20).
We can’t
undo yesterday, but we can act today to influence tomorrow. Samuel promised to
pray for them and teach them the right way. He urged them, “Only fear the Lord,
and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He
has done for you” (v.24).
God invites us to serve Him today, humbly acknowledging His forgiveness and His faithfulness.
Don’t let yesterday’s failures bankrupt tomorrow’s efforts. (RBC)
