Session 29

You can come to God after a mistake

From Exodus: A 34-Day Devotional

Have you ever felt like you had to walk on eggshells around someone? Maybe it was a boss with no patience, a friend with no grace, or a family member with a grudge. Sometimes we make mistakes and experience another person’s anger instead of their forgiveness. Because this is what we see in daily life, this is often what we expect of God.

God’s first reaction to our sin isn’t frustration. Exodus 34 shows us how gracious God is. He already gave Moses the Ten Commandments once, but Moses broke those tablets in anger when he discovered the Israelites worshipping other gods. So Moses returns to Mount Sinai having destroyed the words of God. Instead of being angry or impatient, God lovingly spends His time retelling Moses what to write down.  

We have the same privilege of coming to God with our mess. Exodus 34:6-7 describes God this way: “The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin.”

Because of God’s nature, we never have to walk on eggshells around Him. His love and forgiveness are far greater than anything we will experience here on Earth. We are invited to come to Him just as we are.

Reflect

• Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt like you had made too big of a mistake to come to God? What happened when you finally confessed to Him?
• What in your life is causing you to walk on eggshells around God right now? Pray honestly about your struggles and receive God’s quick forgiveness and abundant love!