Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." ~~Genesis 4:6-7 NIV
Two brothers, Cain worked as a farmer and Abel worked as a rancher. Each one had an important job to perform. However, one brother saw what the other one appeared to be more acceptable to the Lord. Feeling rejected, he desired acceptance too.
The Lord instructed Cain on how to resolve the issue. However, Cain refused to listen to the Lord. He continued to be angry in his heart.
How many times has that happened to us? I know it has happened to me. I love my husband dearly, but sometimes he can make me really mad. (That doesn’t happen to any of you. Does it?) I can have plans laid out for the day, but then he has something else in mind. I didn’t want to change my plans. But for the sake of peace, being a spiritual woman, I keep my mouth shut. In the mean time as I’m being the great, submissive wife, bitterness and anger grew inside my heart. I went along with the plans saying nothing to him, but screaming loudly in my own mind. Until eventually, like an exploding volcano it all comes out. Sin.
The Lord gives us warnings just as he gave Cain a warning. Cain failed to heed God’s warning, lured Abel out into the field, and murdered him. If we fail to heed the admonitions of the Lord, we’ll end up in sin and then consequences follow.
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. ~~Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV
Do what is right. If we allow ourselves to stay angry for very long, we’ll dwell on it and eventually act out our resentment. Sin opens the door to the enemy. That’s why I’m learning it is so important to pray, confess and turn it over to the Lord quickly. Forgive as we have been forgiven. Forgiveness keeps our hearts with the Lord and away from the devil.
The Lord assigned each of us different duties. It’s not that one job is better than another job. It’s what we keep in our hearts. We belong to the Lord through Jesus, His Son who was the Lamb who was slain. Let’s fill our hearts with Him, and resolve our heart issues with the Lord, not on each other.
Engrafted by His Grace--
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6 gracious comments:
Good word girl! It was very fitting for what I was dealing with last week. Thank God, He in His gracious infinite mercy helped me in many ways on Friday. I have a peace - ha ha that surpasses all understanding and I am lovin' it!!!
Thanks for sharing the wonderful advice, Shonda! I've certainly had those moments of holding everything in until it bursts out. What a blessing to be able to pray, turn it over to the Lord, be forgiven and at peace.
Oh, this is so true, Shonda! If we don't confess our anger and resentment, it just boils and spews out in sin! Thank you for that reminder!
Blessings
Michelle
Ouch...this one hurt. But I needed the reminder.
Shonda, What a powerful post. Thank you for sharing. I've subscribed to your blog. I love it!
"That’s why I’m learning it is so important to pray, confess and turn it over to the Lord quickly."
Yes and Amen! A key to keeping a tender heart. Well said.
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