Have you ever heard the phrase, "Fall off the wagon"? It is used to describe someone who resumes an addictive/compulsive behavior that they are trying to control. Originally it referred only to drinking, but is now used in reference to all sorts of things including drugs, smoking, overeating, etc. It is possible for Christians to "fall of the wagon", so to speak. We can go back to an old habit or an old sin we were delivered from if we aren't careful. How does this happen?
It happens for several reasons. We may "look" at something longer than we should. Like David looked at Bathsheba on the roof top instead of turning away and going back into the house. The lust of his eyes overcame him. It can happen if we are thinking about that thing for too long. Where the "mind goes", the "man follows". We have to keep our mind renewed in God's Word and think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of a good report. (Philippians 4:8) It can happen if we aren't mortifying our flesh and dying to it daily by submitting to the Lord instead of self. It can also happen if we refuse to take the way of escape that God provides for us in every temptation. God always opens a door for us to escape through. If we don't go through it, we will fall.
Having established the fact that it is possible for a Christian to fall, how it can happen and what we have to do to avoid it, let's move on to what we can do if we do "fall". The first thing we want to do is condemn ourselves and beat ourselves up about it-- the devil helps us out there too. But I want you to know there is hope. It is called mercy and grace. If we fall we can get up like the prodigal and go to Father God asking for forgiveness-- He will not turn us away. We can confess our sins to Him-- He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We can look to our Good Shepherd and ask for forgiveness for not following Him but going our own way-- we will restore our souls.
Is this where you are today? Have you fallen? Have you returned to some sin you were once delivered from? Are you following your own sinful desires having left off following the Lord? Get up from where you have fallen and go to Him. You will find His grace and mercy is there waiting to pick you up and set you back "on the wagon".
Have a great day. If we "fall off the wagon", the Lord will pick us up and put us back on it if we will go to Him.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
Visit us on the web:
No comments:
Post a Comment