Christian Living

Recovering From A Misstep

by paul hoffmaster
04/17/22
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How does one deal with an irreversible error of judgment?  When arrows of verbal abuse penetrate the ears of the intended recipient, the damage has been done not only to the victim but also to the initiator.  Words are probably the number one weapon used against people.  The tongue can do more damage than all the carnal arsenal weaponry available.  

One of the biggest mistakes that Believers make is to underestimate Satan and his power.  The only way he has to get at God is through God’s people.  If Satan can get Christians to take their faith for granted and not pursue spiritual growth and Biblical discipline, Satan sees them as fair game in his attack against righteousness.

Satan is a predator looking for spiritual stragglers. (I Peter 5:8)  A straggler is someone who fails to update his faith every day.  It is one who fails to follow a direct course.  Paul warns us to walk circumspectively (Ephesians 5:15) which is to walk diligently and precisely.  When we fail to grow, the “Lion” closes the distance.  Letting our guard down, even for a minute, gives Satan an opportunity.

Last week I allowed my carnal nature to be prodded into action.  I said some very unkind and hurtful words to my wife.  When my fire flickered out and only the smoke of the incident lingered, I realized the damage I had done to my undeserving wife.  What could I do to heal her wound as well as my self-inflicted injury?  The Scripture that the Lord showed me, caught me by surprise.  In I Thessalonians 5:16 one is greeted with these words, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  So how was I to apply this Scripture to the above incident?  

When facing a problem we must realize that Jesus will be involved.  He is a witness to the event.  He is also there to guide us through our missteps.  He is there to help us admit our errors.  He is there to forgive our hurtful actions and to heal and restore the offended.  The Holy Spirit is the “convictor” of our actions which will open the door for Jesus’ intervention.  In view of these actions, I can also learn from my mistakes and consequently will be on guard for future temptations.  In view of this assurance, I will “Rejoice Always” for Jesus will be there to bring victory.

We are urged to “Pray without ceasing.”  To help with our battle defeat, we are to continually be in communication with Jesus.  Prayer is giving permission for Jesus to work in our lives.  Being conscious of Jesus’ presence causes us to be cognizant of His forgiveness and love.

Finally, we are commanded to, “In everything give thanks.”  Thanking the Lord for whatever challenges there are in life, for He is there with us.  Even though our actions grieve the Lord, He is present to take us from the troubled sands of life and plant our minds on the solid rock.  One of the hardest things in life is to forgive ourselves.  But with Jesus all things are possible.

When my hurtful words escaped my mouth, I knew I blew it.  Instead of accepting spiritual defeat, I asked for forgiveness and was granted such.  I learned from this experience to rejoice always and pray without ceasing, while in everything giving thanks.  For no mistake is fatal when Jesus is around!