Judges 4:1–7 talks about Israel again doing what was evil in God’s eyes. Does that word haunt you? It should. Like an accusing finger, the word “again” forces us to look deep within ourselves and ask God to uncover the areas where we fall short … again. Areas we are refusing to hand over to God and are instead pursuing our own pleasure and glory or are trying to find victory in our own power … again.

These agains are never in God’s plan. The agains of sin remind us that we are not letting the power of God, through the Holy Spirit, live fully in us. It’s not that we’re not trying hard enough; in fact, it may be that we’re trying too hard in our own power (Ephesians 6:10).

God has promised His presence and His power. Even when we suffer for our agains, He has already made plans for our triumph and His glory. And He is right there pouring out His mercy, grace, love and forgiveness over us… again.

What are the “again” sins in your life? How can you surrender that area of your life to God’s control?