By Dennis Wheeler
The leadership at our church has been intensely discussing the vital importance of small groups within the church fellowship. It’s so wonderful to get involved in a study of God’s Word, to nurture a richer relationship with the Lord, and to develop sweet relationships with other genuine believers.
I was in a small group Bible study once with a group of men. One evening one of the men in our group was extremely downcast. As the evening progressed he eventually opened up and shared a burden that he had been carrying for several years. He told us about a church that he had previously been a part of and it was during a period of his life when he was struggling with some major sin issues. One Sunday the pastor pulled him aside and very sternly told him … “Because of your constant sinning – – you are beyond God’s grace!” This young man never returned to that church and had been living a life of guilt and rejection ever since. How tragic!
How about you?
Are you feeling downcast today?
Are you discouraged because of your experience yesterday?
In a weak moment, did you stumble and fall by giving into some sin?
Do you feel that you are out of the reach of God’s grace?
There is something worse than falling down … and that is staying down! The wicked fall but don’t get up; but with the Christian it is not so. Though we sometimes fall, we will not be content until we are restored. We know we shouldn’t sin…but too often we all do.
The apostle John wrote, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” (1 John 1:8)
Now, here’s the GREAT NEWS … “These things I write to you, so that you will not sin. But, if you do sin, there is Someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the One who pleases God completely. He is the sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 2:1-2)
Admit your failings.
Don’t worry over them, but confess them.
Before Jesus died for us, He knew that we would continue to struggle with sin, so He made provisions for our daily cleansing.
Make a fresh start each day by taking time to confess your sins … admit your weaknesses … and ask God for His strength to do what He wants you to do. As you depend on the Lord’s grace and strength, you will soon know what victory really is!
“Though we stumble, we will not fall, for the Lord will hold us by the hand.” (Psalm 37:24)
