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Have you ever noticed how God’s inspired word doesn’t hide the sin of his people? The fact is that our sins are not covered up. Even though it’s our natural tendency to make ourselves look better than what we are, none of the biblical authors covered over the sins of the people of God. They didn’t. Do you ever wonder why that was?
Why is this?
Ian Hamilton says this “through the manifest weaknesses and sins of believers, God impresses on us the true character of the life of faith.” (p.116, the Faith Shaped life).
Isn’t that an interesting statement?
Our weaknesses show the character of faith lived out. Our faith is lived out in weak, sin-filled bodies. It doesn’t matter who we are as believers, we will fail as we live out our faith. None of us can live a life of perfection.
Click To TweetOur failures, a means of doubt
The very fact that we fail is often used by the devil as a means of questioning our faith. The fact that we love God and want to serve him faithfully, and yet fail in our duties, in our desires. Surely that shows our lack of faith and commitment!!!! (at least this is how we often think).
And yet, if we look to examples of people of faith in the bible, we will see that they failed as well. God didn’t hold that against them. Punishment happened as a consequence of sin but God didn’t say “you aren’t good enough to be called one of my own”. Not even once.
God continually offered grace to his people.
Means of Encouragement
In offering up grace to his people, and letting us see examples of men and women of faith who have failed in living out their faith well. These examples are an encouragement to us. An encouragement that God doesn’t give up on his people.
God is ever so kind to us. Letting us see how he helps his people, picking them up, forgiving them and getting them back on track. This is why there is no white-washing in scripture. We need to see this.
I am so grateful for the examples of failure and getting back up again that God gives us in the Bible. Sometimes, it is all that keeps me from questioning my faith. I find much to encourage me in people like David, Michal, and the people of Israel as a whole.
They are such an excellent reminder to us arent they?