Here is what you need to do when you catch yourself backsliding

It would be nice to say that we are all sinless and could never backslide but that is far from the truth. The reality is that we have all sinned and fallen short of His glory but does this mean we keep sinning? No, it doesnt, which is why it is so important to "Watch and pray not to enter into temptation." But what happens when you do stumble, when you backslide? Here is what you need to do:

Acknowledge your sin

The first thing to do is to acknowledge your sin and confess it. Thanks to two of the Devil's favorite tools - shame and guilt, you might feel like running away instead of running into your loving Father's hands please don't. Hebrews 4:16 tells us that we can "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

This should give you the confidence to take your sin and contrite spirit before God who is willing to forgive His children (Psalm 51:17).

What to do when you are backsliding ece-auto-gen

Turn away

True repentance involves change, turning away from the sin. Ezekiel 14:6 reads, "'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!" This can be easier said than done because as Jesus said, "…the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

This is where the Holy Spirit comes in, helping us achieve the change that we otherwise can not get on our own.

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Study the Bible

Renewing your mind with the help of the scriptures is the third thing to do when you catch yourself backsliding. This gives us the strength to stay away from sin and gives us the right ammunition for when the Devil tries to use our past to shame us (James 4:7–8).

Romans 12:2 emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible by saying, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Get an accountability buddy

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 says, "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Having an accountability partner, someone who knows exactly what you are struggling with and can help you stay on track is extremely important.

Do not let Satan use backsliding as an opportunity to make you think that God hates you and is done with you. That is just not true. God hates the sin not the sinner and He is always waiting for you to return back to Him.

Remember, "we are struck down but not destroyed." So, get up, stop falling and become the righteousness of God through Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:21).