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Did I Do That?
by PamFord Davis "Did I do that?" Steven Urkel from the "Family Matters" sitcom repeatedly caused problems! When he got caught in the act he played innocent. "Did I do that?" Trouble seemed to follow him wherever he went. If there were jinxed individuals, he would surely be president of "Jinxed Anonymous!" We easily become entrapped in unforeseen problems; but often we bring calamities upon ourselves. King David, tenderly described as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22) made some terrible choices and God brought them to his attention. He slept with a neighbor's wife and she conceived a child. David tried to handle things in a dishonest way, in efforts to make the woman's husband appear to be the father. When that scheme fell apart he laid out plans for the man's premeditated murder. Instructions were carried out by his military leader, now also an accomplice in crime. Her husband, a faithful member of Israel's army died on the front lines; and news made it back to King David. Bathsheba now became his wife and found her new home in the palace. (2 Samuel 11:1-27) Every false move made by David fell under the searching eyes of his creator and Lord. A time for reckoning would come. The Lord revealed the trail of sins to His prophet and David's friend Nathan. He approached David and began to unravel a story of a grave injustice. A successful herdsman needed meat for a visitor; and in selfishness took a little lamb from a poor man. (2 Samuel 12:1-4) At the conclusion of his dialogue David became enraged! "So David's anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, As the Lord lives, the man who has done this shall surely die (2 Samuel 12:5 NKJ)." He walked right into his own trap. "Then Nathan said to David, You are the man (2 Samuel 12:7a NKJ)!" Within the heart of a king his conscience screamed out. "Did I do that?" He confessed his sin and faced the consequences. All are prone to weakness and can find forgiveness, grace, and new beginnings! Read Psalms 51, David's private journal following this incident. He cried out to God for cleansing and returned joy. He knew the results would be a powerful testimony. "Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You, (Psalms 51: 13 NKJ)." When we yield to temptation and commit sin we should not be surprised. Yes, I did that! Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php? Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |