Daily Devotional | What Have You Done?

I am constantly amazed by the mess my young children can make in a short amount of time. A few moments of looking the other way can result in complete chaos. I am left asking, “What have you done?”

We start our study on second chances in the Garden of Eden. God’s relationship with His creation was flourishing, and the bond between the Creator and His creation seemed unbreakable. However, Adam and Eve underestimated the power of the enemy and the enticement of sin (vv. 1–6). I am sure Eve did not wake up one morning and say, “Adam, let’s make huge mess of our lives!” But the lure and temptation of sin was in the air, and it was intense. They not only broke God’s commandment but also their relationship with Him (v. 7).

Even though God is all-knowing, He came to Adam and Eve with a series of questions. God first asked Adam and Eve to clarify and confess what happened (vv. 9, 11). But His final question revealed His heart: “What is this you have done?” (v. 13). Their choice had broken their relationship with Him.

When we make a mess of our lives, it is easy to push the blame onto someone else. Facing the consequences of what we’ve done can be painful, but not taking responsibility can lead to something far worse.

Thankfully, we have a God who provided a way to restore our relationship with Him. While the consequences of our actions may sting, because of His love for us, He gave humanity a second chance. Just as death came into the world through the sin of Adam and Eve, a second chance came into the world through Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:21–22).

>> Do you need a second chance? We all have areas in our lives that get messy. Be honest with God and open your heart to recognizing your need for forgiveness. Ask the Lord to help you clean up your mess.

Pray with Us

Heavenly Father, I repent of sidestepping personal responsibility and blaming others instead. As I face my own wrongdoing, give me grace. Help me understand Your love so I can accept forgiveness and move forward.

BY Dr. Chris Rappazini

Dr. Chris Rappazini is Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. He is the former President of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and previously served as an Associate Minister of Preaching and Teaching in Spokane, Washington. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children reside in Northwest Indiana.