Overcoming a major blunder

"A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance." - Proverbs 28:13 The Living Bible



The first major hurdle that you have to cross when you have violated your conscience is to admit your wrongdoing–something that a lot of people will never do. Long ago the prophet Samuel outlined the steps beyond confession which provide guidelines for us today. You find these in 1 Samuel 12.

Guideline #1. Don’t fear that God will abandon you. (See 1 Samuel 12:20). God always hears the prayer of the person who is sincere in turning to Him.

Guideline #2. Don’t give up, thinking that you have gone too far astray to come back. "For the sake of His great name the Lord will not reject His people, because the Lord was pleased to make you His own," Samuel told those who had turned their backs on God (1 Samuel 12:22). "As for me," he added, "far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you." Not bad. He wasn’t there as a critic, but as a friend who wanted to help.

Guideline #3. Turn from what is wrong, and start doing what is right. Ok, you blew it. You failed. In a moment of weakness, you violated your conscience and what your life has really stood for. Don’t keep on doing wrong. Turn back and pick up the pieces. Get going on the right path. Almost always, those who really love you will forgive you and stand with you.

Guideline #4. Realize God wants to make you a person for Himself. He understands brokenness, human failure, and the sinfulness of the heart. He knows better than anyone else, but He’s in the business of restoration and healing–not of condemnation and judgement, at least not yet.

Guideline #5. Focus on the positive and remind yourself of what God has done in the past. Here’s a word of encouragement from Scripture: "But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you" (1 Samuel 12:24). Redefining the point of your focus is vital. Get your eyes off your failure and remind yourself that God is faithful, that He has met you in the past, and that He will meet you today.

The future can be brighter because of the failure of the past, only if you admit it, seek the help of others, and let God’s Holy Spirit restore you as His child. - Resource Reading: 1 Samuel 12:18-25