(Hosea
4:16) “For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer:” The
term “backslider” was not invented by man, but rather God to describe a
believer who has slipped back into his/her old ways of carnality. In other
words, this person once walked with God, but for some reason now they are
filled with the flesh and walk in their old ways. (Prov. 14:14) “A
backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways.” The most dangerous
place to be as a Christian is in a selfish self-centered place, filled with
your own ways. You see, when a Christian is back-sliden they are hard to reach,
hard to talk to, and even harder toward God’s will, for every backslider thinks
they have a good reason for remaining in their condition. Usually it’s an offense, or a discouragement, or a trial that caused them to quit, but thank
God that He has a plan to bring the backslider back. 1) Repent of all
known sin. All disobedience is sin. 2) Renew your thinking.
Stop complaining to God and start trusting in His Word. 3) Rededicate
yourself to God’s will. So if you are in a place of
backsliding, surrender once again to obey God’s perfect will, and come back
from it. God is waiting there.
( Gen 41:41-43) “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt... A nd he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.” When Joseph was introduced to us in chp.37, he was a young inexperienced 17 year old boy, and yet 13 years later God raised him up to rule the nation of Egypt. So, what made him different ? The Answer : “ Time,” and his faith in God ! You see time is a wonderful teacher; 1) Time strengthens endurance . Endurance and faith can only be strengthened over time. Like exercise, we start out not able to do much but over time we find that we can do more. You see, God allows us to go through the ups and downs of life, to help us gain not only spiritual maturity, but also spiritual abilities. Spiritual endurance therefore enables us to handle life’s trials better. 2) Time strengthens patience . Although Joseph, ...
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