“We fall down but we get up”
Our walk with Christ is filled with struggles and victories. But, what do you do when the struggles come? How do you handle those days where you’re not as hot for Jesus as you use to be? How do you maneuver through bad days, draining thoughts, and emotions and feelings that don’t serve you? How do you shift gears and start driving again, when you just don’t feel like it? What do you do when you see that you’re going in the wrong direction? How do you get back on track when you see that we’re drifting away or after you have fallen?
When struggles come, it is what we do within that fight that’s important. Likewise, when we see the tempter’s snares, it is what you do when we see that potential fall that is crucial. In “Hypno-lied” 4 Important Steps to Stop the Devil in His Tracks, I spoke about adjusting. As Christians, we all need to have a system in place that we can follow to ensure that we get back on track; this is where we make adjustments, in order to realign ourselves in Christ.
A system is defined as:
A set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized scheme or method.
We have to put in the work. Daniel 12:10 says “Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.”
Pray with purpose
There’s something about fighting against the natural urge to hide like our first parents did in the garden of Eden and go to God in prayer. There is humility in surrender. Something special happens when we’re honest with God. There is a sense of relief, an internal exhale; the feeling of knowing that God is The Help.
So often we pray these very routine general prayers, that isn’t specific. And general prayers, get general results. We serve a precise God who loves details and order. He created the universe with great detail. He gave Noah very detailed instructions in order to build the ark. He gave us ten detailed commandments to live by. He formed us in our mother’s womb with great care and detail. Likewise, we too must come to God with details.
Yes, He knows everything, but what is a relationship if we’re too proud to tell him how we really feel.
How do we expect to have victory if we can’t be completely transparent with your Maker? Bring all the dirty, shameful details to God. He’s the only one who knows how to permanently fix it.
While you pray, remember to repent. Repentance is a turning away from a sin. This also applies to those negative thoughts and feelings, complacency, laziness, being idle, procrastination, fear, and worry. Turning away from the things that don’t serve us spiritually is a choice we all have to make, and it can be difficult especially if it has become a stronghold. But God is faithful and he is our helper. Know that you will have victory.
All you have to do is make the first firm step in the opposite direction. Isaiah 65:24 says it best “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.”
Take action
After you have prayed, activate your faith, by taking action; make the necessary adjustments needed to realign yourself back to Christ. Don’t drag your feet, act quickly. The sooner you begin to align yourself with Christ, the sooner the Holy Spirit can begin to transform you from the inside out.
This reminds me of the story of The Prodigal Son in (Luke 15:11-32) where “he came to himself…I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” Luke 15:17-18. What I love about this story is that when he came to his senses he acted immediately.
Luke 15:20 says “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”
God knows your every thought, and every move. The moment you decide to go to Him and turn away from your sins, He is running to meet you. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8
Praise God
There is something about praise and worship, in song or in speech, that really lifts the spirit, and re-centers you in Christ. Praise and worship have a powerful effect on our soul. It soothes and reassures the broken and weary. It fuels our internal engine and confuses the enemy. “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1.
Praise God for his goodness, his compassion, his love, his faithful, his patience, his grace, and mercy. Praise God for all things. Don’t only praise God when you can see or feel the changes that he is making in you, but praise God in the beginning stages. When you’re just coming back to your senses and all you can do is surrender. Praise God when you have fought your flesh long enough to kneel down in prayer for the first time in months.
Praise God when you begin to finally walk in purpose and not in fear. Praise God when your idle mind remembers God again, and begin to take action. Praise God! Praising God in the beginning stages, where all you have is building material subconsciously reaffirms your faith and trust in God.
Be Consistent
Everything I said sounds beautiful, but without consistency, we are prone to wander off again. So stay close to God, by crucifying your flesh daily. Pray without ceasing. Make the Bible a part of your daily and/or nightly routine, and dedicate a specific time to God and keep that appointment. Remember you are a work in progress, so continue making adjustments. And if you fall, bounce back quickly, and realign yourself with Christ.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13
Thank you Cherly,
I’m a group leader in our Women’s Bible study in our Church, and I’m always encouraging the gals how important it is to always be in the Word, be consistent, and always praise the Lord in everything.
Because as you had said, our hearts have a tendency to wander away, so it’s important for discipline to seek God first before anything or anyone else.
I enjoyed reading what you wrote and sharing how important it is to stay close to Jesus and to put your faith into action, and to be transparent and honest with God and with others.
Thank you!
Thanks you so much
Praise God! Bless you for sharing this… again, Praise God!
Thank you! I badly need that advice , I was lost for a long time and I’m trying to realign myself , I’m trying to get back to God.
MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE 🤍
I really need this , I feel stock in the wilderness .
I don’t know which way is Jesus’ 😔 coz I feel like all I do is wrong .
Veryly veryly, The Holy Spirit led me to this article. I’m forever grateful. God bless you all.
Cherly, You’re amazing. Thanks for letting your light shine for Jesus. I love your blogs and I have used it with youth group. Blessing to you!!
Yeme
Praise God!
I’m so glad that this blog has been a blessing to you, and your youth group.
God bless you.
This is a thrilling and simplified approach to hit the nail at its top! I pray for God’s blessings to as you evangelize God’s people. Keep sending me your evangelical packages to boost my Faith in God. Amen .Charles
What a blessing it was to read this…I so needed this right now…thank you
Hi Carolyn,
I’m so glad that this was a blessing to you. <3
Thanks you very much. Indeed I have fallen and I need to get back to Jesus. Be blessed dear
Hi Mercy, Praise God! God is so awesome that he is always looking for the one that has gone astray. Praise God for his grace and mercy. All you have to do is take the first step. God loves you <3
Praise the Lord! Well done!
Thank you Lesly, to God be the glory.
Amen! Very powerful and practical advice and examples sis.
Praise the Lord for this post it’s definitely a blessing.
Thank you!
Praise God! I’m so glad that it was a blessing to you Trish.