IS SIN THE CAUSE OF OUR TROUBLES?
Possible Reasons for Troubles
There are people who think
problems in a person’s life are always the result and indication of some sin
they have committed. They blame problems
like poor health, misfortunes, and the like on unconfessed sins. As a general rule, it is a good idea to start
addressing our problems by examining our lives to make sure we are not
overlooking any sins. Although sin is not always the cause of our
troubles, sometimes they are. Through
Hosea the prophet, God said to the Israelites, “Return, O Israel, to the Lord
your God. Your sins have been your downfall” (Hos
14:1).
Solution
Here is the solution to the
times when our troubles are the result of sin, follow God’s recommendation of, “Take
words with you and return to the Lord” (Hos 14:2a), and follow His prescribed
script: “Say to Him, ‘Forgive our
sins and receive us graciously that we may offer the fruits of our lips…for in
you the fatherless find compassion’” (Hos 14:2b-3).
Result
The result of genuine,
detailed confession is: forgiveness and restoration as God promised: “I will heal
their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from
them. I will be like the dew to Israel;
he will blossom like a lily. Like a
cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots ... and his fame will be like the
wine from Lebanon” (Hos 14:4-7).
John reminds us, “If we claim
to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us, if we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:8-9). When we sin, let us do exactly as He
prescribed; let us follow the script, and we will be restored. He is so eager to bless us; let us be just as
eager to be blessed.
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