Choices have consequences.

Ignoring the “Low Fuel” light on your car while still thinking you can drive another 200 miles probably won’t work out real well.

Supplementing your daily gym routine with a Krispy Kreme diet isn’t going to bring about the weight loss results you’re hoping for.

And yet, it’s interesting how many times we blame God for the outcome of our own bad choices, isn’t it?

God, why did You cause me to run out of gas?

Why aren’t You helping me lose the weight that I want?

But those consequences were the direct results of our poor personal decisions, not God’s.

Old Testament King David had to come to terms with this truth in 2 Samuel 12 following some terrible choices he made.

After he committed adultery with Bathsheba, David went on to orchestrate the murder of her husband so that he could have her all to himself.

Confronted by the prophet Nathan, David was made very aware that his poor (and in this case, sinful) decisions would have devastating consequences.

“…the sword will never leave your house.” (2 Samuel 12:10 CSB)

“…I am going to bring disaster on you from your own family.” (vs. 11)

To David’s credit, he listened to Nathan, received God’s correction, and repented.

However, the consequences remained.

How many times have we not only blamed God for the mess we find ourselves in but also expect Him to snap His fingers and erase the negative ramifications for things we willfully chose to do in the first place?

We reap what we sow. Our poor choices can bring about heartbreaking consequences.

That’s not always an easy truth to digest, but it’s a real one, nonetheless.

The solution?

Surrender all to Jesus and hang on tight to Him! As we’re led by the Holy Spirit, we’re promised that our choices will bring about life-yielding and eternally-rewarding results.

“Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.” (Galatians 6:7 & 8 CSB)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!