I think sometimes there can be a temptation to believe that if you mess up then it's all over. I really believe this is one of Satan's strategies for defeating followers of Christ. There are times of celebration when everything seems to be going well, and then in a moment of weakness a mistake is made that feels like a chasm the size of the Grand Canyon has been placed between you and your relationship with the Lord. One day it feels like you can catch "the scent of angel wings" (according to Chris Rice), and then sin happens and it seems like God is infinitely far away. At that moment of feeling abandoned, Solomon reminded the Israelites, through his prayer of dedication of the Temple, to return to the Lord and find forgiveness. Solomon knew that the Israelites would mess up and that they would, at some point, face a level of separation from God. The question wasn't "if" it was "when." What do you do when that time comes because it will come? What happens in the end does matter. God is faithful to forgive, but we have to be humble enough to approach Him with our request.
About Seth
Seth is a pastor, author, and speaker who lives in Batesville, Indiana. He is married to Kari, and they have two daughters, Madelyn and Noelle.
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