1 Samuel 12:20 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.”

The devil is quick to tell us to give up if we make a mistake. He actually loves legalism, because it gives him so many opportunities to accuse us. That’s what the name, Satan, means: the accuser. Of course, he also loves libertinism, the whole philosophy of, “If it feels good, do it.” However, even if we’ve tripped up going that direction, repentance is still possible, and certainly necessary. What Samuel is saying here is, no matter how bit a blunder you have made, don’t give up on seeking the Lord. God is incredibly merciful and compassionate, but we do need to repent to experience that. And we certainly shouldn’t “go on sinning so that grace may increase,” as Paul put it. (Romans 6:1) We need to realize that God knows fully well how foolish we are, and He loves us anyway. When we stumble, when we fall, we need to acknowledge what we have done, stand up, and keep following God. That is precisely what Samuel is saying here.

I have stumbled quite a few times, but the Lord has kept me from the sort of dramatic falls we have seen some people make. That said, I must never presume on God’s grace, but rather let it motivate me to ever deeper devotion and obedience. I’ve got to remember that as James said, “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” (James 2:10) Like Paul, I need to live so that “My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.” (1 Corinthians 4:4) I am to delight in God’s grace and extend it to others, but not presume on it. My record certainly needs the “Whiteout” of Jesus’ blood.

Father, thank You for this reminder, and for its timing. In the past, solo trips have been a temptation to fantasies that didn’t honor you. I’m grateful that they were no more than fantasies, but Jesus made it clear such things are very real sins. I pray that as I make this trip, and on any future trips, I may be totally submitted and obedient to You on all levels, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!