From One Backslider to Another

Inspirational 2 Minutes

 

IMG_5264   As I looked up scriptures that talked about love, I came across Hosea 14:4 ‘I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.’

   I stared at it for a moment feeling overwhelmed at God’s love and mercy. None of us are perfect and we all fail at one point in life, but when you back-slide it’s different. It’s not just one sin, but multiple sins as we turn our backs to God refusing to acknowledge our faults. We start going the wrong way forgetting our commitment to God, and his price on Calvary. Then, we want to blame him for the pain we feel as if it were He who walked away. I know, I’ve been there. Perhaps you’ve been there, or know someone that’s there, if so I hope you read this.

   Many times my mom would tell me, ‘God still loves you and is waiting for you’. It annoyed me to hear this because, I was too bitter to believe and didn’t care. I was hurting and feeling empty. I tried filling my emptiness with drugs and alcohol, looking for love in the wrong places. When I finally wanted to return to God, I felt filthy and unworthy. It took a lot from me to admit I was wrong, but even more to believe God truly forgave and loved me. How could he after all I’d done when backsliding? It’s like returning to your spouse, after walking out on your marriage, uncertain your spouse will take you back, or if the damage is repairable. Well guess what? This verse says he heals our backsliding! It really is a healing process, for my damage was more emotional than physical. It was  difficult to believe God truly forgave and would take me back when I was struggling to forgive myself. Then, I read Isaiah 44:22 ”I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Wow! I didn’t realize how poetic God is, but he has won me over.

 If you are a returned back-slider, don’t be discouraged, we have a long way to go, but God is here healing our backsliding. On the other hand if you are debating to return, I will paraphrase my mom, ‘God loves you and is waiting for you’.

Published by Jerah Alvarado

Howdy, thank you for stopping by! Grab a cup of coffee and have a seat as we discuss anything bookish, family, and the greatness of God! 💕 - Jerah Please subscribe to my newsletter for news and giveaways, using the link below. Thank you! ❤️ https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/x8j7i1

Published

17 thoughts on “From One Backslider to Another”

  1. I truly believe that God speaks to me even through the timing of what I read whether it be books or blog posts. I was actually jusy trying to get myself out from being bitter right now and I came across this. I still am trying to believe again. It’s only been a few months and it’s still a struggle. Thank you for writing this, it really resonated with me.

    Liked by 3 people

  2. God’s timing is always perfect! It’s not easy, but we must keep our eyes fixed on him. Who are we to stand in the way of his forgiveness? Let’s not devaluate the power of his blood. I’ll keep you in my prayers❤!

    Liked by 2 people

  4. My biggest regret (aside from parting) is taking so long to return. If my story can encourage someone to not delay their return, then it makes my vulnerability from sharing my personal life worth it.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Thanks for your honesty here. I’m sure you are aware that your experience is fairly common with all of us. I am constantly amazed at the infinite quality of God’s grace — His love truly has no limits (though we so often try to find them!) God bless you as you seek His Heart! M. A.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Thank you so much for your honesty. Religion doesn’t save us. Jesus does. But we have to come to him in all honesty and humility. He already sees our hearts. Better than we do. I really appreciate you, Jessy, and I’m so grateful that God put you on my path. I’m also very glad that you listened to your mom.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Hi Jessy, I was so blessed to wake up and find your post in my mailbox. We are all carnal and all struggle with our flesh. I am so grateful to God for His grace and mercy. I don’t know where I would be without it. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  16. God bless you! Never underestimate the power of a praying mom, for sure! I am glad our paths crossed too, I don’t believe anything is accidental:).

    Like

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.