Comebacks after Setbacks - Devotional by Charles Stanley

Read: 1 John 1:5-9 (see bottom)

Whether you have recently become a believer or have followed Christ for many years, you’ve undoubtedly discovered that the Christian life is a series of highs and lows. The truth is, we are never ultimately defeated because Christ overcame sin and death for us on the cross. Yet Scripture still warns us not to yield to the sinful desires of our flesh, conform to this world’s evil system, or fall for the schemes and lies of the devil.

Since we are not totally free from the corrupt influences in and around us, the Lord has provided a way for us to come back and be restored. It is called confession, and it involves humbling ourselves, telling God what we have done, and agreeing with Him that it is wrong. Then God promises to forgive and cleanse us so that we might be restored to fellowship with Him (1 John 1:9). The good news is that we are not alone in this battle with sin.

We have God’s Holy Spirit, by whom we put to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans. 8:13).
We have God’s Word, by which we grow in respect to salvation (1 Peters. 2:2).
We have God’s grace, which instructs us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and live righteously (Titus 2:11-12)
We have God’s promise that He will complete the good work He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6)
When you sin, think of confession not as a dreaded duty but as a gracious gift of God. Take advantage of this privilege without shame, knowing that restoration is on the other side.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

John 1:5-9 New International Version (NIV)

⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome^[a] it.

⁶There was a man sent from God whose name was John. ⁷He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. ⁸He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

⁹The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.