Praise & Pray

Being a Christian isn't always easy when many have rejected organized religion in general. Plus, the world's values are different from those espoused in the Bible, adding another layer of complexity. There are also spiritual consequences for selecting Christ. One is that satan will attack, trying to convince a person that they made the wrong choice. This and more are to be expected since Jesus told believers to expect suffering for following Him.

Yet true disciples of Christ push through the adversity, convinced that God's concerns and promises are worth the discomfort. Sadly, many Christians eventually walk away from the narrow path, unable to persevere and wait, both of which are part of God's becoming and building process. The reasons for this are numerous, but frankly, this message isn't about those who have turned away from God. It is about you and the reasons why you shouldn't.

While some can be convinced that backsliding isn't a big deal, please do not be fooled. Psalm 18:20-24 states that a person who doesn't turn from God will be rewarded for their righteousness. They will receive help in their time of trouble and be spared the harm that befalls others. This is why, for instance, the Israelites in Egypt knew to mark their doors with blood before the firstborn sons of that land were wiped out (Exodus 12).

For those who continue walking with the Lord, He will cleanse them, turning their darkness to light (Psalm 18:28). This was the experience of High Priest Joshua (not to be confused with Joshua, the Judge). Although the devil thought it had ensnared him, the Lord overruled, replacing the priest's filthy garments with clean ones. Whatever spiritual difficulty the priest had, the Lord showed mercy, cleansed and restored Joshua, declaring him his servant (Zechariah 3).

Being loyal to God gives a person certain 'rights.' Think of King Hezekiah, who, when told that death was imminent, boldly declared in Isaiah 38:3 - “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. He didn't claim perfection, but he asserted that he'd faithfully followed God. As a result, the Lord honored him with an extra 15 years.

Prophet Ezekiel made a similar pronouncement, stating, "I have never defiled myself," when the Lord gave him an instruction that he believed was contrary to the Laws of Moses (Ezekiel 4:14). He could speak so confidently because he was intentional about observing God's laws. He knew he had never backslidden and was hesitant to do something that could be considered as such.

David could speak boldly of his relationship with God because he, too, knew he hadn't turned away from the Lord. He said in 2 Samuel 23:5 - If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire. Despite the sins of murder and adultery, the Lord called him pleasing and blessed his generations.

We too can reap the rewards that come from not turning away from God. This doesn't mean we won't sin or make mistakes. What matters is that we listen to His Holy Spirit, taking correction and repenting when necessary. We also have to do the things that build a relationship with the Lord, such as studying and applying His Word, loving others, deliberately walking in the fear of the Lord, and avoiding the habits that lead to sinning against God or people.

As we do these and whatever else He tells us, the world's ability to lead our flesh astray lessens and the risk of backsliding drops. As we remain committed to honoring and serving the Lord in humility, our 'Godfidence' grows. We too enjoy the many benefits of being His children, such as His peace, provision, and wisdom that defies logic.

There are many reasons to be mindful not to backslide, but when we stumble, Jesus purchased for us the right to repent, receive the Lord's forgiveness, and have our dirty clothing replaced with clean white ones. Like King Hezekiah, we can cry out to the Lord and know that our voice will be heard. And we will know that our final destination will be heaven, where we will reside with our King, His Son, and the rest of the heavenly household.

Join us for Praise & Pray (for others) today. It starts at 12 Noon EST and lasts an hour. It is a time for us to honor the Lord with worship, intercession for others, and focus on how we can become better children of God. If you are reading this now, think of two to three people who need prayer in your life and come ready to seek the face of God on their behalf. God bless you.

As you await fellowship, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

1. Don't Turn From God

2. Dear Peppers 1: God isn't a burden

3. Dear Peppers 2: Don't Quit

4. The devil's Underlying Scheme

5. Speak Boldly

6. The Parable of the Sower

7. Stop Living Like A Pagan

8. Don't Backslide

9. Are You Truly A Christian?

10. Do You Belong To Christ?

11. The Day Of Trouble

12. Topic: Backsliding/Turning Away/Apostasy

13. Topic: Suffering

14. Topic: The Wait