FCA ResourcesDevotional
Not Top Ten
By Rex Stump
Ready
"and my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land."--2 Chronicles 7:14
Set
Many of us enjoy watching the “Top Ten” athletic highlights shown on television. Those plays are always the talk of the day, but what about those “Not Top Ten” plays? The highlights of an athlete’s most embarrassing moments caught on tape.
In 2 Chronicles 32-33, there is a story of a father and his son, both kings who are humbled by their mistakes. The first king Hezekiah seemed to be on the right track in leading his nation toward God. The problem occurred when he prayed for healing, and in his pride he never thanked God for the miracle that occurred. God humbled Hezekiah; the king repented and got things right with God.
King Manasseh replaced worshipping God with the sin of sorcery and witchcraft. Manasseh ignored God’s warnings, so God allowed an opposing army to defeat Manasseh. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in chains and took him to a foreign land. Manasseh sincerely humbled himself to God and asked for forgiveness.
Just like some athletes, these kings experienced a “Not Top Ten” moment in life—haven’t we all? If you find yourself humbled by a mistake, pray for forgiveness, pick yourself up, and turn back to God. Don’t allow a “Not Top Ten” moment to define your life.
Go
- What is one of your “Not Top Ten” moments in life?
- What did you learn? How can you share this with others?
- How can you turn to God to help you through those moments?
Overtime
Father, forgive me for my pride and for the times I tried to rule my life. Help me today to live in a way that pleases You! Amen.
Group