Have you ever looked at your past and wondered if God could still use you? I want you to hear this loud and clear: God Uses Broken People. He used David, and He can use you.
Let’s walk through David’s story together in 2 Samuel 11–12 and Psalm 51. It’s a story of sin, sorrow, and second chances. But most of all, it’s a story of a God who redeems.
The Cause of Sin
2 Samuel 11:1 opens with something subtle but dangerous: “David remained in Jerusalem.”
When kings were supposed to be at war, David stayed behind. And when we’re idle, isolated, and disengaged, we are easy targets for temptation.
“Disengagement is the doorway to destruction.” If you’re not talking to your spouse, someone else will. If you’re not investing in your kids, someone else is waiting in the wings. We don’t drift into spiritual growth, we drift into sin when we stop sacrificing and start coasting.
David had it all, success, influence, peace. But the enemy within was more dangerous than the enemy outside. Every day, we must suit up with three essentials: Worship (focus), Word (faith), and Warfare (fight).
Temptation doesn’t start with action; it starts with inaction. Be vigilant. Stay engaged. Because “sin will take you further than you want to go and cost you more than you want to pay.”
The Cover-Up of Sin
David’s temptation turned to action and then came the cover-up. What started with a look turned into lust, then into adultery, and then into murder. Sin snowballs quickly. David tried to hide it, first by bringing Uriah home, then by getting him drunk, and finally by orchestrating his death.
“The Lord considered what David had done to be evil” (2 Sam. 11:27).
Before you give in to that temptation, look past the pleasure to the pain. Think about the people it would hurt, your spouse, your children, your church. Think about the damage it would do to your witness. It’s not worth it.
The Consequences of Sin
David’s choices had a ripple effect. Uriah died. Other soldiers died. The baby died. And the sword would never leave his house. Sin always brings consequences, even forgiven sin.
Nathan said, “You are the man!” (2 Sam. 12:7).
David finally saw the truth: he had sinned not just against Uriah or Bathsheba, but against God.
Sin will cost you more than you ever imagined. But it doesn’t have to be the end of your story.
The Conviction of Sin
David said, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam. 12:13).
That’s where healing begins, when we stop justifying and start confessing.
Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance. He pleads with God: “Have mercy on me…blot out my transgressions…create in me a pure heart…restore to me the joy of your salvation.”
Conviction is a gift. It’s God drawing you back. Don’t run from it, run to Him.
The Confession of Sin
The gospel is not “You are the man.” The gospel is “The Lord has taken away your sin.”
David deserved death. But God showed mercy. Not because David was perfect, but because God is gracious. David’s story didn’t end in failure. God gave him another son, Solomon, and used him to build the temple. The very line of Jesus would come through David and Bathsheba.
If you’ve messed up, there is hope. If you feel too broken, there is healing. If you think God can’t use you, think again.
God used Moses after murder. Jonah after running. Peter after denying. David after adultery. Mark after desertion.
You are not disqualified. You are a candidate for grace.
Ready for a new beginning?
God is the God of second chances, second miles, and second children. Don’t try to justify your past. Give it to Jesus, and let Him give you a new beginning.
If the Lord is leading you to take a next step, fill out a Connect Card. We’d love to help you in your faith journey. You can also find a Liberty location, and plan your visit today.
Where sin abounds, grace abounds more. Your story isn’t over. God still uses broken people.
Works Consulted:
2 Samuel Wiersbe
2 Samuel Greear
2 Samuel TWC
2 Samuel Truth for Life
Cutting it Straight 2019
Maxwell Leadership Bible