Experiencing Recovery, Rebellion Or Relapse Series

In 1501, Michelangelo was presented with a huge piece of marble and commissioned to create a statue of David for the Cathedral in Florence, Italy. Other sculptors had rejected the stone because of a defect. Michelangelo, however, began a work that would take three years to complete. He knew that deep within that block of marble the sweet singer of Israel, David, was waiting to be released. Michelangelo was willing to take the risk of using the damaged stone to accomplish his intended purpose. Only a master artist could release that incredible sculpture of David from a block of flawed marble without completely destroying it. (1)

The human David also had a serious flaw at the center of his life. Had anyone other than the Master worked on him he would have been destroyed. David reminds us that the relationship between our love for God and our potential for sin is deeper than we realize. Paul lets us in on the same truth when he says in Romans that all of us are prone to sin.

The Bible clearly states, “All have sinned.” (Romans 3:32) It is in my nature to sin; it is your nature to sin. David reminds us that we were conceived in sin. (Psalm 51:5) None of us go unaffected. We hurt ourselves, we hurt other people, and we are hurt by other people, all because of sin. So what is the solution? Ask God to forgive your sin and commit to the work of recovery.

As you walk with God you are either in recovery, rebellion, or relapse. Study the life of David in 2 Samuel and see if you don’t agree with this idea.

A common phrase used in the world of healing is, “time heals all wounds.” I have found this to be more false than true. As a pastor, I talk regularly with people who are still carrying hurts from 30 or 40 years ago. The real truth is, time often makes things worse. Wounds that are left untended fester and spread throughout the entire body. (2) Time only extends the pain if the problem is not dealt with.

So, what is the solution? Learning how to make right choices! The most important thing you will do today is make choices. You will make thousands of them. By the way, although this life offers thousands of choices, eternity only offers two: heaven or hell. Do you realize the choices you make determine your destiny?

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference 3

1. Are choices the very hinges of destiny?

2. Do we make choices or are we just the product of our genes, as some scientists would say?

3. Are we just the product of our past, as some psychologists would say?

4. Or, are we the product of God’s sovereignty, as some theologians would say?

I believe that each day we all make choices that produce spiritual, mental, and emotional health. That makes it possible for us to overcome problems like anger, anxiety, addiction, worry, discouragement, depression, grief, guilt, and burnout.

The result of right choices is a life of effectiveness for Christ and happiness for you. Webster’s Thesaurus tells us that synonyms for the word choice include: selection, preference, alternative, and election.

It is my conviction and a core value that choices are the hinges of destiny. Robert Frost’s poem agrees with the Word of God and bears out this truth:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.4

The Bible certainly teaches that God is sovereign, but it also teaches that you and I are responsible for our choices. Let me suggest some of the most well known choices made in scripture:

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)

“I call heaven and earth as a witness today against you, that I have set before you “life and death” blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Teach people the importance of their choices. Help your kids, clients, and colleagues know the importance of each individual choice. Today we go into the palace of Israel’s most beloved king, the only person God ever declared, “He is man after my own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14) Yet David, the Sweet Singer of Israel, giant killer, and Jonathan’s best friend, repeatedly makes a series of bad choices that leaves a path of destruction.

David’s life offers several lessons for making right choices. God places these stories before us in his word so we won’t make the same mistakes: