Making an effort

MAKING AN EFFORT

 

“Then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

 

            “I THOUGHT YOU WOULD GO BALLISTIC,” my stepdaughter said. She was referring to the night her father and I learned she was living a double life. We'd responded fairly calmly, while I frantically prayed.

            Then Alisha worked at a small Christian camp and recommitted her life to Christ. She came home a changed person—reading her Bible, being kind to her siblings, getting involved in leadership with the church youth group, talking about the Lord. It was wonderful.

            Even though Alisha's life had changed, it didn't erase the past. She had to regain our trust. We helped her set up boundaries so she wouldn't fall back into old sin habits and friendships. We encouraged her as she developed friendships with other kids who loved Jesus. It was a process.

            Today's passage also talks about a process. God promised to forgive His people and to heal their land. However, He expected them to also put out some effort. They were to humble themselves (admit failings and confess they needed Him), pray, seek God's face, and turn from their wicked ways. Then they would see Him act.

            Are you looking for God's touch? Sometimes we all need to humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from our sin.

 

—Jeanette Gardner Littleton

Make an effort today to get closer to God.