Turning Away from God

All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They worshiped other gods.

2 Kings 17:7 (NIV)

The first question we all ask ourselves when faced with a major problem or a terrible and unexpected situation is: "Why Me?" I have never heard a different question, even from a devout Christian. However, not all life circumstances are the result of a natural problem or a trial intended to mature us or help us grow in faith. They can also be the consequences of our negative attitude toward God.

As the Bible teaches us, every sin committed by a believer will be forgiven by God. But if we turn away from God and turn to other gods, including idols, we leave no room for God to redeem and forgive us. This is the mistake the people of Israel made. Despite their disobedience and countless sins, God never ceased to be with them and to forgive them. But when he turned away from God to serve other gods, his situation took a different turn. God delivered him into the hands of other nations who took him captive.

It is always good to question one's situation. Is it simply a problem of life or the result of our abandonment of God? Jesus Himself taught us that there is no middle ground. Either you serve the one true God, or you serve false gods. If this is your situation, I strongly suggest you repent and seek God's face. As long as you turn away from God, He will not intervene in your circumstances. God is compassionate and full of kindness. He is not like a human to remind you of your error. On the contrary, He will forget your abandonment and restore you.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.