Baptist City Blog

A sad commentary about Israel is found in this chapter. Israel’s pride led them astray and to sin against God. Because of their sin, God pronounced judgment against Israel. He said that one day they would be “oppressed and broken in judgment.” He said that one day Ephraim would be “desolate in the day of rebuke.” God’s judgment would eventually cause Israel to wake up and “acknowledge their offence.” God said, “…in their affliction they will seek me early.”

Israel’s affliction could have been averted had they sought God before His judgment. They could have avoided the heartache and desolation had they sought God early. The word “early” in the verse above means at the onset. In other words, they could have avoided the return had they sought God at the onset. Likewise, if every Christian sought God at the onset, they would never have to return to God because they would never leave Him. The best way to avoid the return is never to leave God. Certainly, God always accepts the repentance of the returning saint, but it would be better if they had never left. There are four times that every Christian should seek God early if they want to avoid the return.

First, seek God at the onset of the day. If you seek God early in the day, you won't have to worry about returning later. I’m not saying that you won't do wrong if you seek God early, but what I am saying is that you have a better chance of avoiding the departure from God if you seek Him early every day. In other words, simply seek God in the Scriptures and prayer before you start anything else in your day.

Second, seek God at the onset of sin. My friend, don't wait until sin has ravaged your life and judgment has come to seek God; instead, as soon as you’ve done wrong seek His forgiveness. I’m not condoning sin, but the first time the Holy Spirit convicts you is the time to seek God’s forgiveness. You won't have to face sin’s judgment if you seek God’s forgiveness at the onset of the Holy Spirit’s conviction.

Third, seek God at the onset of a project. Don’t wait until you’ve failed to seek God’s mind, but seek His mind before you start. I’m afraid most of us have been guilty of waiting until we come to the point where we need God to rescue us from a failed project to ask for His help. Christian, instead of waiting until the failure has happened, ask God for His wisdom at the onset of the project. The first action you should take at the onset of everything you do throughout the day is to ask God for His wisdom and help to accomplish that project. You will see more accomplished and less failure if you seek God at the onset of projects.

Fourth, seek God’s strength at the onset of affliction. As soon as the trial comes, ask God for His strength. Stop trying to work through your strength to make it through the trial, but ask God for His strength to face your trials at the onset. When you see the storm clouds gathering in life, it is at that moment you should ask God for help.

Christian, you can avoid the return if you go to God at the onset. Don't be the Christian who waits for the affliction to seek God, but seek Him at the onset and there will be no need for a return.