A Constant Struggle

Question:



I don't have anybody to talk to that I trust. I feel I need to tell someone other than God. I've messed up yet again with committing a particular sin that I've struggled with in the past. I've repented and asked God for forgiveness but still feel so dirty and don't deserve to be forgiven a million times for the same sin. I failed myself, I failed as a witness and I failed God. I'm trying so hard to get it together and I know I can only do it with God working through me but I'm a failure at life and a failed a Christian. I'm completely hopeless and barely hanging on and want to let go. The only thing I deserve is to go to hell.



Answer:



The truth of the matter is that everyone deserves to go to hell. But I am thankful that God is merciful with us and has given us His redemption so freely. There is no such thing as a perfect believer. Jesus did not lay the condition that we must never sin again "or else" when He paid for our sins. He paid for our sins completely and saved you wholly. If you are struggling with a particular sin, it’s not a matter of how sorry do you feel in order to walk in His forgiveness. It’s a matter of believing in Christ. As Christ came up to those who were hurting and asked them if they believed, He is reaching out to you now. Jesus said in Mark 9:23, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” When Christ died for our sins, He destroyed the power of sin over us so that we can be free. You are not under the law, you are under grace as Romans 6:14 says.


It starts with you being honest about where you are and your struggle with this particular sin. The way that God wants us to walk in His victory starts with honesty before Him as 1 John 1:9 says, and then bringing our struggle into the light with other believers who are fighting the same fight. James 5:16 says that we are to confess our faults to each other and pray for each other, and that He will work mightily on our behalf when we do this. The next part is to set up forms of accountability to help keep you from getting into situations where you are vulnerable to this particular struggle. Then I would encourage you to dive into God’s Word in study and ask Him to give you His understanding. Psalm 119:9 says , “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word.” We walk in His strength when we accept His Truth to be true for our lives and walk on the strength of His promises and His holding onto us. Know also that this is a journey. There will be slips. But get back up and push forward and you’ll see the hand of God at work in your life.

Don't forget, if you have a question you can send it to me at asktheyouthpastor@xtrlive.com plus you can talk to us tonight at www.studenthopeline.com.