Answers for Each Day - July 7
Patience in Repentance
In yesterday's devotional, I mentioned Hosea 6:1 as a challenge to repent if indeed God is convicting you.
Come, and let us return to the LORD; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
God is indeed a God of compassion Who wants you to return to Him. That is the nature of His grace!
It's not unusual to truly repent of a sin, to seek to return to God and walk with Him, but not feel anything right away. And perhaps, to get discouraged.
The verse that follows Hosea 6:1 gives us a good word as a clear encouragement. Here is what Hosea 6:2 says,
After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight.
You need to understand that the evidence of revival may not be perceivable right away. That is why I believe Hosea says, After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up.
You need to be careful not to say, "Well, Lord, you have until lunchtime today to do something. And if it doesn't happen by then, I'm out."
God wants you to stick with your commitment to repent. He wants to know you are serious in your desire to walk with Him.
Remember the words of Zechariah 1:3, "Return to Me," says the Lord of hosts, and "I will return to you." Returning to God is something you can do. But only God can do God's part.
If you will return to Him, He will return to you.
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