We all fall down at times. The emphasis here is not on the fall — it’s on what we do if and when we choose to get back up. Sometimes, we just need to be reminded that the FALLING does not disqualify us from the CALLING. God has placed purpose in you.

God refers to David as a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). We also know David fell, and David fell hard. We can learn powerful lessons about the dangers of complacency, the consequences of sin, and the power of true repentance from David’s story found in 2 Samuel 11-12.

7 Things from David's Fall that we can learn from:

1. Laziness & Apathy – David stayed behind instead of going to battle, resting too long in past victories (2 Samuel 10), which led to vulnerability and complacency. After experiencing a victory, it’s imperative that we stay in the fight. The enemy isn’t giving up!

2. Lust & Covetousness – Instead of turning away, David pursued what wasn’t his, allowing temptation to take root. There are things that we should look away from, rather than learning in and asking questions.

3. Abuse of Power – He wasn't violent, but he used his authority to take what he wanted, committing adultery. Steward your influence well, because if you take advantage of someone, you will pay for it.

4. Deception – David attempted to manipulate Uriah to cover his sin, plotting instead of confessing.

5. Premeditated Murder – He arranged Uriah’s death when deception failed, removing anyone who stood in his way. We may not be murderers as David was in this story, but do we “remove” people who object to our behavior through gossip and slander? Do we assassinate someone's character instead of living in accountability?

6. Cover-Up – David married Bathsheba to maintain his reputation rather than seeking repentance. Culture may celebrate your cover-ups, but it's never worth celebrating.

7. Hardened Heart – He was blind to his own sin, judging harshly until the prophet Nathan confronted him.

David’s Decision - once David realized he was wrong, we can also learn from how he responded:

1. David Got Up (Humility) – In order to get up, we must first realize that we have fallen.

2. He Washed Himself (Repentance) – He immediately confessed and sought God through prayer and fasting.

3. He Put On Lotion (Anointed Himself) – Just as David reminded himself of his identity in God, you must also remind yourself that you are ANOINTED, CALLED, FORGIVEN, ACCEPTED, VALUED, HONORED, LOVED, CHOSEN!

4. David Changed Clothes (Consecration) – He made a fresh start.

5. He Worshiped (Relationship with God) – David drew near to God. Remember James 4:8 and Psalm 100:4.

6. David Ate (Covenant Restoration) – This signifies his restored standing with God.

David’s downfall began when he was somewhere he wasn’t supposed to be. Staying where God has called us is key to avoiding unnecessary battles. However, even in failure, God’s grace allows us to rise again through true repentance and restoration.