The Hindrance Of Sin

The Hindrance of Sin

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the LORD would not have listened. Psalm 66:18, ESV

DOUBT IS A HINDRANCE to the prayer of faith, for obvious reasons. We’ve seen that repeatedly throughout Scripture, in the words and lives of Old and New Testament saints, in the teachings of Jesus, and in our own lives. But Scripture mentions other hindrances too, and if we are serious about praying in faith persistently, passionately, and purposefully, we will need to be aware of them. One of the most significant is the presence of sin in our lives—not as an exception but as a welcomed, harbored, cherished companion. When we embrace sin, we release God’s promises to the faithful.

It’s important to remember that there is no condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1). God removes our sin from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). When today’s verse mentions the presence of sin as a hindrance to prayer, it needs to be balanced with the New Testament reality of Jesus’ cleansing work for all who believe, even those who continue to struggle. In that context, this verse is not about people who struggle with sin or who fail frequently. People who fit that description generally hate their sin but are drawn to it from habit or to soothe their souls from unhealed wounds. No, this verse is about those who willfully and consistently push God to the margins of their lives until they need him and then plead for his help, wondering why he doesn’t show up in their time of crisis. In his mercy, he does respond to these kinds of pleas at times. But he doesn’t promise to. His promises apply to those whose hearts are tender toward him, even when they sin.

Resist the temptation to assume you are disqualified from answered prayer if you have sinned recently. That is not the testimony of Scripture. In Jesus, you are thoroughly, completely clean. But do take seriously the attitude you have toward sin. Do you cherish and nurture it? Do you push God away until you need him? Then confess, receive his forgiveness, and run back into his arms. He is waiting to welcome you and answer your prayers. He has dealt with your sin. Now let him respond to your confident faith.

Sin is a power in our life. Let us fairly understand that it can only be met by another power.