You look in another direction. Next, you turn in the direction of where you are looking away. The next thing you know, you are turning. It all began with a look – away. Away from God. Next the turn – away. Then the walk – away. The next thing you know, you missed another opportunity. But you didn’t just miss the opportunity. You missed Him. Because obedience isn’t just about obedience. Obedience is about God, and your relationship with God.
When you disobey, and look away, and turn away, and walk away, how can you be near to Him? How can you be close when you have left Him behind? When God gives you another chance, He isn’t just giving you the chance to obey. He is giving you the opportunity to draw closer to Him. To be in His presence.
In the Old Testament, God desired and honored the sacrifice of animals. In the New Testament, He desires and honors the sacrifice of our lives. If God is giving you another chance, do yourself a favor. Look to Him. Turn to Him. Come unto Him with the sacrifice of your life. Find rest, and peace, in Him.
Samuel said, “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22 NASB
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Romans 12:1 NASB