“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
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After a spectacular pass to Malik Turner on third-and-16 with just over eight minutes left in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers during the 2019 season, Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson threw an unusual interception with 5:46 left. The 49ers took possession and moved into field-goal range. Then, Chase McLaughlin, the 49ers kicker who made his first three kicks, had an opportunity to be the hero and win the game. But from 47 yards with 3:06 left, he missed the kick. This gave Wilson another opportunity to lead the Seahawks down the field for a potential game-winning drive.
On third-and-3 with just over a minute left, Wilson made a big-time play with a 21-yard run. The Seahawks allowed time to wind down to four seconds remaining. Their kicker, Jason Myers, then hit the game-winning kick to win the game for Seattle, handing the 49ers their first loss of the season.
Russell Wilson showed his resolve during this “Monday Night Football” game. After he threw the interception, he came back and made the plays necessary to put the Seahawks in position to win.
We all make mistakes in life. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The question is: How are we responding to the mistakes we have made? Do we overlook our sins and blame others instead? Do we avoid taking responsibility for the sins we commit without repentance? After sinning, do we walk in guilt and allow the enemy to make us think our mistake defines us?
Or do we allow the Holy Spirit to help us recognize when we fall short, prompting us to ask God to forgive us with a repentant heart? It is important for us to humble ourselves and ask God to come into the picture. We must recognize and acknowledge what we have done and soften our hearts to hear from God and repent of our sins. God is a loving and forgiving God who gives us another chance. You don’t have to feel down and live in guilt for the mistakes you’ve made. God allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, which enables us to experience God’s grace.
What is grace? Grace is God’s free and unmerited favor toward sinful humanity. God is so good! Do we deserve God’s grace? No. Should we take advantage of God’s grace by sinning purposely and then asking God for forgiveness because we know He will forgive? No.
Always remember that God looks at our hearts and knows our true intentions. Through the grace of God, we can live righteously for Him knowing He is faithful to forgive us when we mess up.
When you sin, allow God to touch your heart through the Holy Spirit (for those who are saved), acknowledge what you have done wrong, repent of your sins, and move forward living the life that God desires for you to live through His Word. God loves you and He allowed His Son Jesus to die for you. You are not your mistakes.
— Travis Wilson
(Today’s devotional was submitted by the author from “Let’s Go! Weekly Devotions for Godly Competition in the Game of Life”)
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