Don't Turn From Following the LORD.

We all sin don't we.  Its a fact of life.  But sometimes we have that sin that hurts us so bad that we can't forgive ourselves.  That is a tough situation.  We've all been there.  I came across a passage today that exemplifies this.  In 1 Samuel the Israelites cry out because of the sin they committed (If you read an earlier post then you know it was because they asked for a king).  Samuel proceeds to tell them an amazing thing.

Samuel said to the people, "Do not fear.  You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart." 1 Sam 12:20

Every time I commit sin that hurts my God I am going to remember this.  Ask for repentance and then don't turn aside form following Him. Samuel gives a great command. So often we are stuck in the weight of our sin and forget about the power of God's forgiveness.  Lets not forget God forgives.  But Samuel doesn't stop there.  Often times we find ourselves getting told to do something but we don't know why.  This time Samuel lays the plans out clearly and beautifully.

You must not turn aside, for then you would go after futile things which can not profit or deliver, because they are futile.  For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make a people for Himself. 1 Sam 12:21-22

First When sin is conceived if we don't repent it has puppies.  If we don't align ourselves back with the Father we race after things of no importance.  In essence sin becomes easier.  I can remember one night missing church to hang out with some friends from work.  It started out as missing church and ended up in a wasted night of drinking and partying.  I remember this night because after that I chase after drugs, alcohol, money and women for the next 3 years.  I know how turning away from God will cause one to follow foolish things. I believe Samuel gives this reason for us to understand the weight of sin.  That sin can carry if allowed to. However the second is the most amazing.

Samuel says "the LORD will not abandon His people".  If we turn from our sins, the LORD will make his presents known to us and to the world that we are His children.  I had a friend once who was atheist and his life was clearly visible to that.  (though I did not know him at the time).  I always hear of reports of how he use to be.  But now this man is a burning flame for the power and presence of GOD.  Feeling the spiritual resonance I get from being around this person lets me now how powerful God is. And seeing how powerful God is makes me glorify His name.  And thats what God wants!  He is pleased to make us His people so that others might know how great He is.  Thats what "on account of His great name" means.

Let us remember that sin has no hold on us, and that the past is the past and that God is the future.  Let us not fall to the lie that Satan tells of how we should not forgive ourselves.  A great man of God C.S. Lewis once said  "If God forgives us we must forgive ourselves otherwise its like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than him."  So I charge you to live every day serving the LORD with all your heart.  To not turn aside from His will or call when all seems in despair because the LORD will make His name great in your life but only if you let Him.