She heeded no voice, she accepted no instruction. She did not trust in the LORD, she did not draw near to her God. (Zephaniah 3:2)
We’re Warned
That warning is to a city, but—oh my!—it pertains to us as individuals as well.
I know I have acted against the voice of the Lord. I know I have failed to act when I’ve had a nudge (or more) from the Lord.
Recently, I wondered about the security of a valuable item, but didn’t mention it to the owner. And it was stolen! Some time ago, I had a nudge to call a friend, and didn’t. Shortly after, she died! Oh no! I lost my chance to talk with her until eternity. (And, of course, there are much worse examples in my own life.)
You can probably remember times you didn’t heed the voice of the Lord and acted against, or failed to act on, His instruction.
Don’t Despair
Make Sure You’re a Child of God
If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)
Confess
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Believe He Forgave
BELIEVE Him. He is faithful and righteous. He says He forgives if we (children of God) confess.
The Remedy to Avoid Future Failure
Draw near to God.
Discover who He is.
Learn about His sovereignty, His love, His faithfulness.
Make sure you’re “prayed up.”
Find out what He wants.
Trust in the Lord.
Follow His instructions!
Obey His commands!
How?
The best time for me is at the start of the day, to read the Word of God, pray, and get centered in Him. At that time I can commit my ways to Him, ask Him for the day’s priorities (my cherished “to do” list!), and determine to trust Him for whatever.
What are you doing?
