Forced by circumstances, Esau exchanged his rights as the firstborn and prince –replacing his father, Isaac– for a piece of bread and some lentil stew, trusting in his strength and hunting skills. Because he despised God’s gift, he and his descendants were cursed.

Forced by circumstances, Sarah urged her husband Abram to sleep with her servant and have a son by her, a normal tradition of the time. Later, after constantly being humiliated, Sarah had to send away her servant, along with her son Ishmael. The Arab lineage—the enemies of Israel—began with him. They are rich in wealth, but poor in knowledge of the God of Israel.

Forced by circumstances, Saul disobeyed the Lord and sinfully offered burnt offerings.

“And Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.’” I Samuel 13.13-14

Forced by circumstances, “Martha was distracted with much serving and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10.40-42

Forced by circumstances, Judas Iscariot accepted the offer of the chief priests and elders, betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and then hung himself. Matthew 27.5

Forced by circumstances, Ananias and Sapphira kept back part of the money they received from selling a piece of property when they had promised to give 100% of it. They both died on the same day because they attempted to deceive the Holy Spirit. Acts 5.1

You should ask yourself:

What circumstances have forced me to go against my faith, my peace of mind or my principles, and caused me to abandon my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

Family? ……………………… Money?

Marriage? ………………… Social Life?

Love Life? ……………………. Entertainment?

Sex? ……………………….. Success?

Fame? ……………………….. Friendships?

Answer this question: Is it worth it?