No Sparks?

During dinner with friends, the topic of old, dependable tractors came up in our conversation. That thought stirred fond memories of our Old Faithful that I reshare today and tomorrow:

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

Old Faithful, our old and not-so-attractive tractor seemed irreparable because it needed a tire rim replacement, but parts were no longer available because of its age. Thankfully, the former owner with the “know-how” concocted a remedy. Once repaired, although it still has only two working gears, moving faster in reverse than forward, the immobile tractor became useful once again. But soon after, the tractor stood “dead in its tracks.” Before deciding what to do, the same friend looked over Old Faithful and discovered the battery posts had significant corrosion. My husband had no suspicion of that being the problem since he had inspected them not long ago.

Do you sometimes feel like you go faster in reverse than forward, taking one step forward but moving two backward? Has your connection with God eroded; do you feel disconnected? Do you hear from Him at all? Daily self-inspections are necessary to maintain a close relationship with God your Father and for sparks to ignite your life. You must remove the slightest sign of corrosion (sin—no matter how great or small), or you will not move forward (prosper) in your daily walk.

You may not be “dead in your tracks,” but you’re in a rut. You cannot move forward in God’s plan for your life until you confess and repent of (turn away from, forsake) known sin in your life. It may be a sin dealt with recently, but just like the corrosion on the battery posts, it cropped up again, and you overlooked it. Is it something you were to do that you haven’t yet done? Or, if you’re unaware of any sin, ask God to reveal what needs cleaning up to restore a good connection with Him. The result? Cleansing and forgiveness; by God’s grace, you are moving forward again. Your heavenly Father wants fellowship with you and for you to prosper in His plans for your life as you walk with Him.