Grace Fellowship

Backsliding is an Old Testament term used to describe one who is moving away from the Lord.  I heard a preacher say, “If you were ever closer to the Lord than you are right now, then you are backslidden.” 

When Adam moved away from the Lord, he blamed God when things didn’t go his way saying, “It was the woman YOU gave me!”  Moving away from God, His Word, church attendance and blaming Him, are all symptoms that one is moving away instead of getting closer to the Lord.  This comes with some very legitimate “reasons” why they are not doing these things saying, “Me and the Lord are okay, it’s all good.”      

The first funeral I assisted with was a young man who was full of life, very personable and one we dearly loved.  He made a decision for Jesus early in his life; but like many young people, he wanted to “sow some wild oats”.  He and his friends had been drinking and Scott was in the back seat of a car when the accident happened. We waited at the hospital several days, praying for a miracle, when it was determined there was no brain activity.  Scott was a very outgoing, fun-loving guy who had plenty of girlfriends.  At the body viewing, I over heard a beautiful young girl say, “He was so handsome.”  His mother replied confidently, “Yes, he was.” giving a slight sad chuckle.          

The issue of sin was handled at the cross through Jesus – past, present and future.  He is such an awesome Lord.  Satan was completely defeated and the only power he has is deceit.  I am sure Scott is at home with the Lord, but I watched his family go through hell trying to make sense out of something so senseless.  “I can handle this” have been the words of young people for generations – believing they are bullet proof and invincible.

My brother, now a chaplain, wept bitter tears when, as a teen, his pot-smoking buddy was found alone in the woods hung by the neck.  He bemoaned, “If I had been living for the Lord, could I have helped him?”  We can forfeit our ability to influence people positively for Christ while living a life without consideration of God’s will. 

This is for Candace, a beautiful young senior from Fox Creek High School and her friends.  She had been drinking and driving when she rolled her car.  Many of the doctor’s reports are uncertain about her condition, but we have the report of the Lord and we are trusting Him for a full recovery.  She made a definite decision for Christ in the eighth grade at Victory Baptist Church.  Her parents are standing faithfully with her believing for a good outcome while enduring the various reports. They are in it for the long haul.  We thank the Lord for His mercy and healing power. 

She was awake when we went in to pray the other day.  Her hands were tied to the bed to prevent her from accidentally harming herself, but she could lift them up about 8 inches on both sides.  At the present, she has a difficult time formulating words, but we believe this is going to change.  Diana and Candace’s parents, Tera and Robert, were on one side of her and I stood on the other.  We asked Candace if we could pray with her, she lifted her hands so we could hold them saying, “Let us, let us, let us!” 

Although we may make a decision out of God’s will, He never leaves or forsakes us! Thank God Candace is here to pray with.  This enables us to have faith for better days.  Many of her well-meaning friends, having pledged their undying allegiance, will go on with their lives while she recovers.  Some have already dared to drink and drive while rationalizing, “That happened to her but it won’t happen to me.” They would prefer to blame God before blaming their “friend” alcohol or drugs saying, “Why did God let this happen?”  Our prayer is that it won’t happen to anyone and many will dare to realize that God has a life planned for them that is so much better than alcohol and/or drugs.   

Jesus came that we might have abundance of life!  Let’s trust Him for it!!  I believe Candace will testify of the Lord’s goodness one day soon.  This is our continual prayer.