The Mercy of God
by Peter Horrobin
David was an experienced warrior – but he was also experienced in the ways of God. From a young age, he had learned to worship and serve God. It was he, and not his older brothers, whom Samuel chose and anointed to be King. He had known God’s protection and supernatural direction in times of battle. God had shown him how to defeat Goliath and overcome the Philistines. He was a seasoned man of God.
But Satan is always on the lookout for our weaknesses and he knew that David had an Achilles heel. He had the potential for being led astray by the sight of a beautiful woman – especially one who was bathing in the open air in a place that was visible from the palace roof. And we all know how David fell into the trap and not only committed adultery but finished up having Bathsheba’s husband killed to try and cover up his sin.
But God in his mercy sent the prophet Nathan to confront David – at which point David had two choices. Either humble himself, repent and call out to God for forgiveness and help or use his authority as King to dispose of Nathan. He made the right choice. At that point in his life he was either heading for the pit of destruction or the path of restoration.
And God, in his mercy, heard David’s cry, healed his broken heart and spared him from the consequences of his sin. What he had done could not be undone – but his relationship with God was restored. In walking the road of repentance, he was also climbing the hill of hope and putting his feet firmly down on the rock of his salvation.
None of us are perfect and the enemy will always be on the lookout for our weaknesses. But if we slip up on our journey of faith, when we come face to face with the reality of our own sin, if we react in the same way as David did, then we will be assured of God’s healing and restoration. Repentance and forgiveness are the double doors which open to the gateway of hope!
Prayer:Thank You, Lord that David knew the reality of your healing and restoration. Help me, Lord, to follow you all my days, but if I do fall at any time, please show me in your mercy so that I may follow David’s example and know the joy of your restoring love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Peter Horrobin is the Founding and International Director of Ellel Ministries. The work was originally established in 1986 as a ministry of healing in the north-west of England, but today the work has spread round the world, with Ellel Centres in over thirty nations. Peter has been doing lots of writing recently, including the "Journey to Life" series which can be purchased online at sovereignworld.com.
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