Everyone does it––everyone slips up. We are all born into sin, yet after salvation, many slide back and make mistakes. It is not that we love God any less, or even that we intend to sin. In many cases, old habits resurface or new demons present themselves, and we fail to make the decisions that will ultimately strengthen our faith.

Oftentimes when we slip up, it’s done unconsciously. On the other hand, sometimes we do make conscious decisions to go back to our old ways, like re-visiting an old bad habit or forbidden fruit.

Both instances, the one where it was an unconscious slip, and the other where it was a conscious decision, bring you to the same place––you have sinned and you need to go to the Lord for forgiveness. Of course, He already knows about it and is prepared. He gives you forgiveness and grace.

The Lord knows people well enough to know that they will slip up, and He has made provision for that. It is called grace. Grace is a manifestation of favor, mercy, clemency or pardon. This manifestation of favor is unearned. There is nothing on earth anyone can do to earn it. It is a gift.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.Romans 6:14-15, KJV

The Lord has made provision to give His children the benefit of the doubt. He knows they will miss it. However, that does not give people the license to sin at will.

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.Proverbs 21:2, KJV

Father God knows your heart. Yes, He gives the benefit of the doubt, but knowing the hearts of the people, He also knows if it was a slip, or a decision, to do wrong.

As a child of the Lord, it is your mission in life to work toward making the right decisions when faced with adversity. Trials will come, but tests are to help you grow as a believer. As you face a trial, you have decisions to make. Will you beat this trial by doing what the scriptures taught you? Or will you give in to your flesh and succumb to the evil you face? Every child of God faces these decisions.

The enemy of our souls will not stop testing us. When you beat one devil, a bigger one comes along. Just when you think you have it made, you realize there are bigger mountains to climb, and harder tests to pass. Yet, each victory makes your faith stronger. Each time you put down your flesh and do what is taught in Scripture, you gain faith.

Knowledge of the Handbook, and using it daily, is the way to win the race you are running. Reading the Word strengthens your faith, giving you the arsenal you need to win each battle.

The grace you have as a believer helps you through the trials. You just have to receive it. As Paul explained to the Corinthian Church, he took pleasure in all areas of distress because when he was weak, he was made strong in Christ.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. —2 Corinthians 12:9-10, KJV

The next time you face a trial, remember you are strengthened in Christ with the grace given you, as His strength is made perfect in your weakness.

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