Nehemiah 9:29 (NIV)
"You warned them..., but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances..., Stubbornly they turned their backs on you..., became stiff-necked and refused to listen.
Israel had been destroyed by their sin and rebellious ways. Yet, when they repented and turned back to God, he forgave them and returned the land to them. God's forgiving ways continue to this day. We sin, go against the will of God, and he restores us to a relationship with Him when we repent.
Nehemiah 9:30 (NIV)
For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples.
We behave much like the Israelites did, we get caught up in God's love, experience His amazing Grace, vow to remain by His side and before we know it are distracted by the world. One day we are at peace in our hearts, life is going along smooth and we hit a rough patch, stumble and fall.
Nehemiah 9:31 (NIV)
But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.
God does not limit the number of times we can come back. The door to Jesus' heart remains open and we are invited to draw near Him no matter what. But, we must come to Him in order to obtain forgiveness. We must admit we were wrong and ask God for help.
What a blessing to know that if there is a recurring problem or difficulty in our lives, we can continue to ask God for help. Isn't it time we become willing and ready to make changes in our attitude and behavior to correct our situation?
Nehemiah 9:22-31
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