The Symptoms of a Backslider

If you recognize yourself as a believer but find that the certainty of your spiritual vitality has waned, this message is for you.

Perhaps without fully realizing it, you've succumbed to complacency, a lukewarm existence that dangerously accepts sin rather than actively opposing it.

There was a time when you didn't even recognize the shift occurring. You've lost your once vigilant stance against sin, now finding that it no longer troubles your conscience as it once did. Suddenly, you're conscious that you've been navigating life on autopilot, unconcerned with whether your actions reflect holiness or worldliness.

Remember when you diligently cultivated the fruits of the Spirit, when loving others was your joy? There was a time when you turned away from sins like gossip, jealousy, and selfishness. Now, you notice these behaviours creeping back into your life as justifications replace conviction.

Your standards once stood like fortresses, and you actively engaged in the battle for righteousness. But now, it seems as if your resolve has weakened, your spiritual defences have fallen, and you find yourself aimlessly drifting along the currents of life.

Does this resonate with you?

Every believer encounters this phase at some point, where the enthusiasm of faith seems to diminish. In these moments, the wisdom of 1 John 3:9 rings true and essential: "No one who is born of God will continue to sin."

The indwelling Holy Spirit uses this scripture to stir your spirit, to alert you to the difficult path you're treading. It's a divine nudge guiding you back to the grace and mercy found in Christ. Through confession and repentance, the sweetness of your relationship with the Savior is renewed, reigniting your aversion to sin and empowering you with the joy of the Lord to persevere in the good fight.

Whether the estrangement from fellowship with God is brief or prolonged, it carries the risk of a hardened heart, leading to a deeper entrenchment in sin. The length of time isn't the measure of backsliding; it's the loss of that once cherished fellowship with Christ, regardless of how long it's been.

Don't let the distance grow. If your heart feels the pull of this message, trust that it is the Holy Spirit beckoning you home. Turn to Jesus, seek His forgiveness, His cleansing. He is ready to restore your fellowship with Him, and you will not be turned away, for all who call upon His name will find that He is ever faithful.

If this is you then just say this prayer to be fully restored with the anticipation of basking in the joy of the Lord.

A Prayer for Forgiveness and Renewal

Dear Father in Heaven,

I have missed Your presence and have strayed from Your ways. In humility, I confess my sins [mention the specific sins or issues]. I ask for Your forgiveness and the restoration of my fellowship with You.

Your Word in 1 John 1:9 promises that if we confess our sins, You are faithful to forgive and cleanse us. I thank You for Your mercy and ask that You draw near to me as I return to You with a repentant heart.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Thats it!

Go back to your local church to get support to help you and God will do the rest