Sliding Back

Do you ever find yourself not walking with God like you once did? You find excuses for not going to church because you don't want to confront the things you've been thinking and doing - and when you are worshiping or studying God's Word it seems like very song and every verse pricks your conscience.

Then you find yourself not praying and avoiding talking to God altogether. You don't feel the pricking of the conscience so much so you find it easier to do things you would never even think of doing.

Somewhere in the recesses of your mind you are aware of what you doing. It's called "backsliding." Eventually you are powerless to stop and even though your heart cries out to you and God finds ways to get through you feel caught in a trap and consider that God cannot or will not love you anymore.

Now read what God says to the backslider in Isaiah 57:18 "I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near," says the Lord, "and I will heal him."

Once you have trusted and relied on Jesus as your Savior, God is always near. It is as if you turned your back on him and he seems an infinity away and you feel as if it is God who has turned his back on you.

In fact, God "sees" what you have done - and loves you anyway. God knows the awful things you do - and forgives you anyway. That's how powerful grace is. That's how awesome the free gift of salvation is.

And not only that, God promises to heal you and give you peace.

So today - no matter how far away you feel, turn around and see the loving arms of God ready to enfold you and love you. He's been waiting, you know.

Pastor Tom