In the book of Genesis chapter 4, we find two brothers by the name of Cain and Abel. A time came for them both to present an offering unto the Lord. The Bible tells us that God looked with favor on Abel's gifts, but on Cain he did not. At this Cain becomes very upset. The Lord is concerned about the emotional state of Cain; in verse 6 the Lord says 'Why are you angry and your face downcast?'
As men, from time to time, we to feel these emotions and we must understand that when we are in these places, God is concerned about our feelings. Allow Him to say the things that are necessary to move us forward in the right way - not providing sugar-coated words or things that we want to hear but wisdom that is necessary for growth and to move us forward in a Godly manner. As men it is hard to hear that we too can sometimes be like Cain, never offering the Lord our best, wondering why we feel angry and downcast at times, and blaming others for not being able to take possession of God's favor.
But there is a way out or a way to live in His favor. God says to Cain if you do what is right, will you not be accepted? Too many times we want to be accepted without doing what is right, but we must do what is right. God goes on to say if you do not do what is right then sin is crouching at your door. It desires to have you, but you must rule over it.
We can no longer allow sin to crouch at our door. We must choose the right path. The Bible tells us that a just man falls seven times but he continues to get up. We are going to make mistakes as men, but we have to get up and allow our actions speak louder than our words - pursuing righteousness.
Even when God is chastising and correcting us, He is calling us to higher heights.
Brothers, let's be real with one another. Cain had a choice to make, as do we. God did have compassion for him, but he still made the wrong choice.
What would be your decision?
Don't continue to pray hoping God will tell you what you want to hear. Obey what he has already spoken to you. And move forward.
~Pastor Seneca