So you delivered them into the hands of their enemies, who oppressed them. But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their enemies.
“But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.
“You warned them in order to turn them back to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, of which you said, ‘The person who obeys them will live by them.’ Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen. For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you warned them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.
Nehemiah 9:27-31
If you ever feel like you’ve used up your last prayer or that God is getting tired of your repentance, just think about all the times he forgave in the Scripture. The people as a whole, as well as many individuals, sinned against God and needed his Grace to cover their shortcomings.
That’s not to say that we can sin whenever we choose and then turn around and beg for a pass on that particular sin. We should at least know that much. But, when we feel worthless, hopeless, helpless and we turn to God for the salvation only he can provide, we can trust in his reputation. He saves the unworthy and restores them to himself!
Ethan Kirl
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