Repentance: An Invitation to RestSample

We Cannot Cleanse Ourselves

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV)

When I read this passage, I am encouraged that humility and prayerfulness come before turning from wickedness, but don’t supplant its importance. Too often, we think God won’t hear us unless we clean up our act first. Not true.

What is true is that we cannot cleanse ourselves; so thankfully we can pray first and He will grant us repentance that we may turn from our wicked ways. 

Of course, we may still choose not to, and should therefore not expect His forgiveness and healing and restoration of our land.

But thank God, he hears our prayers while we are yet sinners!

Reflection

When do you turn from wickedness? Do you pray first? Or try to clean yourself up and then ask God to forgive?

What if you prayed first, sought His face, and confessed (or “said the same thing”) about your sin that He says? And then asked Him to forgive you and heal you?

Thank You

I hope this reading plan has been a blessing to you and helped you fall more deeply in love with our Savior, who longs for you to rest in Him. And starts with taking your next step toward Him, no matter how far away you have gone.

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