Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." Genesis 4:6-7
Cain felt cheated. And why not? He worked the ground. Wouldn't it make sense that some of the fruits of the soil would be his offering? Why did God reject Cain's offering and accept Abel's? I believe the reasoning for God's rejection is reflected in Cain's reaction. It wasn't necessarily the offering that was wrong, it was the heart of the one who gave it that was the problem.
Cain's heart wasn't right. Cain's reaction to God's rejection was anger and depression. I think he was probably angry with himself because he knew the truth behind God's decision.
Unfortunately, Cain refused to listen. God told him that sin was lying in wait. But rather than heeding the warning, Cain allowed the anger to grow out of control. Eventually, Abel received the brunt of Cain's frustration, and sin exercised its full dominion over Cain.
Lord, sin desires to have me. I can literally hear its breath outside the door - waiting for an invitation to enter in - to control me completely. I am angry and depressed. The blessing I expected from You hasn't come as easily as I had hoped. It feels like the system is once again saying, "Sorry. You don't measure up." But I know it isn't true. Those for whom I work assure me that my expectations will be met. My salary will finally be commensurate with my responsibility. Yet, I am frustrated with the barriers. I am frustrated with the timing. Will I ever get paid what I am worth?
In the not so recent past, my ultimate reaction would be to escape into the compulsions of desire. Medicating the pain is more pleasing than bearing it. But who is in control? Will sin master me once again? Or will I grab hold of the truth: I have been given dominion over the desires of my flesh through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Spirit, intervene in my heart. Help me to heed the warning signs. Forgive my rotten attitude. Help me to trust that Your purpose and plan will be accomplished in my life. Sin, you cannot enter here. I will not be controlled by you.
My Master is the Lord!