From Failure to Forgiveness
It happens to each one of us: failure comes in all sizes and shapes. It often happens to me when I sit near the homemade ice cream. I have no discipline and therefore eat way more than I should. It also occurs when I get behind the wheel of my truck or car; I struggle to keep my foot off the accelerator, which results in speeding at times. Other things happen in my life—and yours—that lead us to fail to be all that God wants us to be. We set aside what is right, godly, and holy, allowing sin to take root.
We all sin, as stated in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Sometimes our sin manifests as gluttony, like eating too much ice cream; at other times, it may involve breaking the laws of the land as we speed down the road.
Not only are we all guilty of sin, but we also tend to rank our sins. According to society, some sins are considered bad while others are deemed really bad. However, when it comes to God and our relationship with Him, sin of any size or kind breaks and hinders our connection.
David sinned, and his close relationship with God was affected. Yet there is something beautiful in the story of King David that we all need to remember from time to time. Once David was told by Nathan, the prophet, that God was fully aware of his sexual sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah the Hittite, he was broken. Sinful David cried out to God, not only for forgiveness but also for restoration. Nathan explained that the Lord had taken away his sin, according to 2 Samuel 12:13, and that David would face consequences. David wanted more than just forgiveness; he desired a clean heart along with a renewed spirit. Psalm 51:10 captures David's words: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." The beautiful thing is that God forgave and also blessed both David and Bathsheba with a second child named Solomon.
Yes, we have all sinned. Yes, our God will forgive our sins, as stated in 1 John 1:9: "...He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins." But God does not stop there; He will also restore us. As it says in 1 Peter 5:10, "And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast."