Cycle of Sin
I am certainly not a perfect person. I do try to live according to God’s plan and God’s will for my life, but I’m definitely not perfect. I fail miserably at times and I get frustrated with myself. I know what the right thing is to do, I just don’t do it at times. I know how to listen to the Lord speak. I know how to reach out to Him when I’ve got a decision to make. I try very hard not to compare myself with anyone, because that is not the way the Lord sees it. I know the Lord. I’ve walked with the Lord for many years. I still ignore His counsel at times.
Manasseh was the young son of King Hezekiah. He became king at 12 years old. He did not follow the Lord. He basically undid much of what his dad had done. He restored idol worship to Judah. He even put alters in the Temple! He was obviously a piece of work and the Lord finally got his attention. Check this out…
10 The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. 11 So the Lord brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.12 In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. 13 And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God. (2 Chronicles 33:10-13 NLT)
The cycle of sin is seen throughout scripture. Some of the greatest followers of God went through the cycle a couple of times or plenty more.
The cycle of sin starts with following the Lord; then ignoring the Lord; doing whatever I want; then repenting before the Lord; and finally returning to the Lord. It’s a cycle where my heart is reflected through my actions. I’m certainly not proud of the cycle or the last time I went through the cycle. I get frustrated that my flesh is weak.
I’m so thankful that Jesus brought grace when He came. Grace is the one thing that helps break the cycle. Grace can help shorten the cycle. I am thankful and grateful for forgiveness. I’m thankful for mercy when I deserve punishment. I’m thankful that the Lord doesn’t keep score. He forgives. He restores. He has broken my sin cycle many times. His grace pulls me out of the cycle and sets my feet on solid faith foundation.
Pressing On!
Dwayne