The Process

Knowing and growing in Christ is a process. We do not become righteous, holy people over night. Often we frustrate ourselves and get frustrated with others when change takes time. Overcoming addictions, fears, sinful lifestyles, and habits requires we take one step at a time. Yes, there are times when a person is instantly freed from personal bondage, but as I look through Scripture, more often than not, I see people who must push through to overcome sin in their lives.

Abraham, the man God used to begin the Jewish nation, wrestled with sin. He was a great man of faith, but he stumbled a few times as he sought to follow God. Not once but twice he insisted he and his wife decieve the king of a country for fear he might wind up in a bad situation. Each time God rebuked him.

David, the man after God's own heart, the man who slew giants and ruled a nation, stumbled big time when he had an affair with a married woman and later committed murder to cover it up. In love, God confronted him and brought David to repentance.

Peter, one of the greatest preachers of all time, struggled with pride and a big mouth! Peter made promises he couldn't keep, lost his temper, and couldn't stand up for his best friend and savior Jesus Christ! God allowed him to come face to face with his inadequacies then restored him.

What these men and many believers who have followed over the years have discovered is that we must daily strive to overcome. Some days we are victorious, others days we climb into bed, pull the covers over our heads and weep. We fail. But, failure doesn't end what God is seeking to do in and through us. Failure isn't the end all unless we give up. You see, despite the failures of each of these men, God used them mightily for His purposes. God knew each was far from perfect. He also knew the heart of each man.

Do you, friend, wrestle with sin? Is there an addiction in your life that keeps pulling you down? Understand that walking out of that sin or addiction is a process. Don't give up when you mess up! Keep pushing through. Just because you stumble doesn't make you worthless in God's eyes. Praise God He can use us despite ourselves!

Do you have a loved one who just can't get it right? Realize that their growth as a believer is a process. Continue to speak truth to them, to love them, to challenge them, and to pray for them. But don't turn you back on them when they stumble. Christ is so patient with us. We need to be patient with one another. God can use your loved one no matter what and cause good to come out of his/her failures. He indeed gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. (Isaiah 61:3)