The Four 4s of Getting Back Up
This past Sabbath we heard more from Brother Caleb about getting back up. It is the unfortunate but honest reality that most believers will stumble at some point during their walk. We live in a sinful and temptation filled world that is continually trying to bring us down. Stumbling is not nearly as important or crucial to our faith as getting back up is. If you have struggled with your faith, or are feeling stagnant, then this message is for you!
The first “R” is relapse. Second Samuel chapter 11 shares the story of David succumbing to lust. He spots and covets a married women, and, since he was king, he took her. Relapse is a slippery slope. It often starts in small steps, testing how much you can push the boundaries. Before you know it, you’re far off the path that Yahweh intended for you. David started as “a man after Yahweh’s own hear” (1 Sam. 13:14). He was the salvation of Israel, but he still struggled with lusts of the flesh. The question is how do we get back on track?
The next “R” is Realize. One of the best examples of this is in the story of the prodigal son. After squandering his inheritance, it says then “he came to himself” (Luke 15:17). In other words, his eyes were opened to his situation. The ways of the world are not as fulfilling as you may have thought. Guilt often comes with realization. For David, he attempted to cover up his mistakes and relieve his guilt. Guilt is the Holy Spirit’s way of telling us to stop. You can either obey and turn back around or progress deeper into sin. The final piece of realization for David was when a prophet of Yah came to him and helped him understand just how wrong his actions were (2 Sam. 12:7-8). Regardless, realization is the first true step towards getting back up.
The next step is repentance. Psalm 51 is David’s repentance and apology for his sins with Bathsheba. You have to be sincere with repentance. Saying “I’m sorry, please forgive me” to Yahweh really means" “I’ll never do it again.” David owned up to his mistakes and completely accepted the consequences of his actions. The good news is that Yahweh is quick to forgive. He wants us walking with Him and Yahshua has covered all our sins, past, present and future to make sure that happens! No matter what, as long as you’re sincerely sorry, then you’re never too far gone.
The final “R” is recover. David had a rocky road for a while. He faced his consequences, but, in the end, He made Yahweh his foundation again (2 Sam. 22:2-4). Many believers become even strong after returning from a fall. Arguably, the hardest part is distancing yourself from the things or people that drew you away from Yahweh in the first place. Remember that you are never alone in recovery. Friends, family, and Yahweh are all there to help you get back onto His path. If dry bones can rise, then relapsed believers can too!
