Departure from God

Have you recently stopped to think how your life is doing? Things you did before are now part of the past. Do you remember the times when you were so dedicated? You were tired from work but still ran to church only because you were pleased in serving God. In the end all the tiredness went away because God was there sustaining your spirit. But, with time many things change...

A job comes up, the long awaited promotion, an opportunity to take extra classes, and even Mr. Right shows up. That's great, its all you've always wanted. But, are you being thankful to God who gave you all that? Or have you let those things take the first place in your life? There are so many things to do that we end up forgetting about God. He's the one who took us from the world, forgave our sins and was there when we had no one else. With so many things to do we start seperating ourselves from God and start to think that some things don't really mean anything... Like listening to wordly rap or rock songs, a relationship with less restrictions, or even going out with old worldy friends. "That isn't bad, everyone does it..." or so you think.

How strange, you go to church Wednesdays and Sundays, maybe even making a chain of prayer... but things aren't like they used to be. You're not seeing any results. But, that isn't God's fault. God warns us in His word, "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:33) That is, if you want to follow Jesus, you need to give up the wordly things. Without realizing it you didn't go back into the world, but the world ended up turning into you!

All the fellowship you once had, all that commitment you once had for the work of God is no longer part of you. The essence of the "first love" is no longer inside of you. You didn't even notice, the anointing you had diminished... and you became weaker.

Nobody falls one second to the next. Can you remember where it all began? Perhaps you can remember your encounter with God but not your departure, can you?

When we fall like this, we've gone too far. Your prayer goes no further than the ceiling and your prayers no longer bring tears of repentance or joy when worshipping God. Could it be that you've become a "conformed Christian"? Can it be that where you work or go to school at, people still see you as a man or woman of God? If God wouldn't be pleased with your response, then friend, God is speaking to you today!

God chose us and knows our flaws yet, He loves us. God was crucified on the cross so that all our sins would be forgiven and so His mercy would shine in all this. You can be a member, assistant, Pastor's wife and if you recognize you need help then, come running to the arms of God!

Admit your wrongs and ask for forgiveness. Be sincere and humble before God. Ask Him to help you start again. Pick your head up, you ARE important to God! So now, seek your RE-ENCOUNTER with God, he won't reject your forgivness prayers.

"I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him." (Luke 15:18-20)

Caroline Oliveira