"Sin Cycle"


INTRODUCTION
          In this series “Living Your Life of Destiny” I have attempted to explain how God’s destiny or purpose unfolds before us as we follow Him day by day.  By utilizing our God-given gifts, talents, abilities, and/or strengths we begin to walk daily in God’s plan for us.  When we surrender our lives to Christ we also become members of the family of God, the church.  In a local church setting we play a prominent role in advancing God’s Kingdom together as the “Body of Christ.” 
          I have provided several Biblical examples as well as modern day examples of people who have made either wise use of their talents to glorify God and find fulfillment or have tragically failed to do so.  Today I want to study more thoroughly God’s plan for one particular individual in the Bible filtered solely through the eyes of destiny. 
 
CONTEXT
          To better understand Gideon’s calling and destiny, allow me to briefly describe the story’s setting.   The nation of Israel, the people of God, were caught in a continuous “sin cycle” (not spin cycle).  Israel would disobey God and eventually fall away from His will for them.  Oftentimes they would next become oppressed by outside forces or nations.  Then, and only then, (when they got in trouble) the people would cry out to the Lord God for help.  Even though this was a “repeat performance” our merciful God would have compassion on them once more, raise up a “deliverer” of sorts (a shadow of the future deliverer, Jesus), and free Israel from oppression. 
Israel would turn their hearts back toward God once again…for a while.  Then the vicious “sin cycle” would repeat itself…filth, wash, rinse…filth, wash, rinse…filth, wash, rinse.  You get the idea.  There is one positive aspect…at least they knew “where” to turn for help! 
By the way, some of us have found ourselves mired in a similar dizzying cycle.  We fall away from God and eventually find ourselves in a dreaded predicament or awaken in a pigpen like the prodigal son.  We cry out to God for help.  Our compassionate God hears our cries and reaches down with compassion and mercy.  We praise Him and follow Him…for a while.  Then… “whatever” happens.  We grow cold again.  Filth, wash, rinse…filth, wash, rinse…filth, wash, rinse.  All I have to say is, it’s a good thing we serve an incredibly merciful and compassionate God!