Find comfort and strength in drawing closer to God. See the truth about God’s presence and his desire for you to approach Him, no matter your struggles.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

I once read from a Christian that God leaves you when you sin. That He cannot be near you if you are actively in sin. I don’t know what doctrine they learned that from but it’s not from the gospel. And is a very dangerous teaching, honestly.

Jesus’ death on the cross eradicated our sin so we could be near to God—even if we are still actively sinning (because even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8-9).

In fact, God desires that we come to Him when we are struggling—even when we give into the temptation. Withdrawing from God only leads us further away from Him and deeper into the Enemy’s camp.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
–Hebrews 4:15-16

There is no one better equipped to help pull us out of a sin we’re struggling with than God. He does not condemn or shame; he liberates.

God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.
Romans 5:20

This isn’t offering permission to sin; it’s offering covering while we’re truly struggling in sin. He knows our hearts so He knows when we care and when we don’t.

The danger comes when we find ourselves knowingly in a sin and don’t care; when we justfiy our actions and believe the lies of the enemy rather than the Spirit of Truth.

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
-Hebrews 10:26-27

You know what’s good and necessary? A healthy dose of the fear of God. We ought to be afraid to purposely walk in deliberate sin (after knowing we shouldn’t). Because that healthy fear can keep us out of serious consequences, not just in this world but for all eternity.

How God Strengthens and Guides Us Through Temptation

1. Resist the Devil
   “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8)
2. Pray for Deliverance
   “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
3. God Provides a Way Out
   “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
4. Pursue Righteousness
   “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
5. Draw Near in Confidence
   “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

God never leaves us to fight these battles on our own. Being tempted or even stumbling into sin does not mean God is angry with you, thinks less of you, or wants nothing to do with you. Those are lies of the Enemy to keep you away from God.

Sweet friend, if you find yourself in a sea of shame because you stumbled into sin or are heavily tempted by something, go to Him with a repentant and humble heart. He will not badger you over it. He will help you.

Dear Papa God,
There are times I truly struggle to walk the path you have set for me. There are times when what the world is offering seems so much more easy, enticing and fun — even fulfilling. Remind me that it’s an illusion and giving into the desires of the flesh are destructive and will leave me quite empty. Help me draw near to you so I can walk in your Spirit. Assure me I haven’t let you down because I allowed my weaknesses to get the better of me at times—no matter how many times. Search my heart, Father. I love you. Amen

Meditate on this Truth: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

For Further Study: John 21:15-19

For Further Reading: Victory Over Darkness by Neil T. Anderson

With Love,

Christin

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