Reliable Truth Every Stumbler Needs to Know
Toby Mac once said…
“I’ll never be a non-stumbler. I’ll be a forgiven stumbler, but never a non-stumbler.”
Picture this…
You’ve had one of those days when you stumbled so badly that you collapsed into bed, relieved it was over.
You want a “do over” because you said things you regret, wasted time you can’t get back, and did things you’re ashamed of.
And that’s just what you did. What about the love you didn’t show, the forgiveness you didn’t give, and the kindness you didn’t offer?
I think we can all relate. I know I can.
“Some nights I crawl into bed and can’t believe all the ways I failed.”
I’m grateful God inspired Paul to share his struggles with stumbling.
I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
Romans 7:15, 19
It helps to know we’re not alone, and that’s one of the reasons the Lord inspires us to share our stories.
He wants us to inspire and encourage one another by sharing the ways God’s forgiveness, healing, mercy, and grace are at work in our lives.
The enemy loves to remind me that I’m a stumbler. Although he typically uses harsher words.
He replays impatient moments, cruel words, repeated gossip, etc.
I’m a stumbler.
He reminds me of the many times I’ve directly disobeyed or failed to obey God’s commands.
Yes, I’m a stumbler.
Paul gave us the answer to address the enemy’s reminders of our shameful past…
Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 7:24–25
David said it like this…
O Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help.
Psalm 86:5
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103:12
Jesus wanted us to know that He came for stumblers…
“Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Mark 2:17
And friends, we’re all stumblers.
Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Romans 3:23
Most days, I feel like a stumbler with a capital S.
But thank God, Jesus is the answer for stumblers like us. By God’s grace, when we repent through faith in Jesus, we are forgiven completely, thoroughly, unconditionally, and perfectly.
By God’s grace, through Jesus, every day is do over!
Let’s pray…
A Prayer For Stumblers
Heavenly Father, I am a sinner, a stumbler. Like Paul, I want to follow Your will and obey You faithfully, but I fail daily. I want to love You and the people around me consistently, but too often I am self-absorbed and selfish.
I read through the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—and realize how often I’m guilty of doing the opposite. I am so sorry. Please forgive me.
I thank and praise You for the generous gift of Your Word in Scripture. Thank you for wanting us to know about Your grace, mercy, and love extended to countless sinners who lived before us.
Thank you for Jesus. You promised a Savior as the answer to our stumbling, immediately after Adam and Eve’s first sin. You told us about Him through the prophets, apostles, and early followers. And through the documentation of His life, death, and resurrection, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, You made it possible for us to KNOW Jesus, our Savior, and You, our Heavenly Father.
Please help me resist the enemy’s temptation, and help me run to You in repentance when he reminds me of my guilt and shame.
Fill me with Your Spirit and the TRUTH of Your promises. I love You, Father. And I thank and praise You for making it possible for me to KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST You. All through the one and only “answer”—Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
When the enemy taunts you with shame from your past, remind him of these truths…
Remind him that he’s a thief…
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
John 10:10
But Jesus is the source of life.
Remind him that he’s a liar…
There is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44b
But Jesus is the TRUTH…
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
John 14:6
Yes, I’m a stumbler. And you’re a stumbler, too.
But by God’s grace, that is not our identity.
Through Jesus, our identity is in Him, and we are declared beloved, forgiven, children of the one true God. He calls you a masterpiece, chosen, redeemed, and friend.
So, get up and walk to the closest mirror and speak God’s truth to the beautiful person in the reflection. Then celebrate and share how the Lord has removed your “stumbler” label and replaced it with a beautiful new identity in Christ Jesus.
Always remember…
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
2 Corinthians 5:17
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I find myself despairing quite often for things I did and said and also for things I didn’t say or do when I should have. I love this encouraging post, I am a forgiven stumbler as well. We do need each other for encouragement and also to be reminded who and Whose we are. Thank you, sweet Deb, for this beautiful post. I am sharing it today … 💕
Thank you, Donna! I truly appreciate your kind words of encouragement. Have a beautiful week, friend! God be with you!
Oh, Deb, I can SO identify with this! Yes, we are all stumblers in life; even when we want to do all that we know to be true, and right, and faithful, we fail, even on our best days. Thank you, Jesus, for picking us up when we fall and forgiving us when we fail. Blessings!
Isn’t is a blessing to know that Paul struggled with this, as well. God is so gracious to make sure we know that we are all stumblers but that is why Jesus came. He saves stumblers and covers them with His grace, mercy, and love. God bless you, my dear friend!
Jesus Christ…I thank God for You❣️. For picking me up every single time I stumble, or fall flat on my face. You’re always right there to brush me off and continue the walk.
What a beautiful prayer, JoAnne! Thank you for sharing it here. I’m praying it right along with you. Blessings and hugs!
Thank you! I needed this reminder today. Won’t go into why, just know I was struggling. I’m glad Paul and others shared their struggles. Praise God for His mercy and grace!
I’m so glad you were blessed and encouraged, Cecilia. Thanks for stopping to let me know. I stand with you! Praise God for His mercy and grace. I can’t imagine trying to live a moment without Him. God bless you and fill you with His peace.
A post that I very much need! I stumble every day. Thank goodness for a God who forgives and lifts me up and sets me on my feet again. I try and try again. I have always identified with that passage in Romans. My “humanness” for sure!
Thank you for this post and for all of the people who have replied with honesty, and for your honesty and humility. I treasure your wisdom.
Prayers for a wonderful and safe week for you my friend.
Thank you, Sue. I too, appreciate the honest and open comments that friends have left here today. God is so very good and gracious to us. It’s such a blessing to know that when we stumble and look to Him, He gently lifts us to our feet and helps us along the way. Thank you, dear friend, for you faithful visits and kind words. You are a true blessing. Praying a beautiful week for you as well. Blessings!!
I had said my morning prayer, then I opened my email and my words to Him seemed to be the words of your post, so thank you for your time, wisdom and love Sister Deb!
Most days I feel like the worst possible example of a Christian:(
So I truly needed to read this, I have copied most of it into my notes, to help me remember…
May God bless you richly for all your devotion to speak and spread the promise! 🙏
Rejetta, I think almost every follower of Jesus feels like we’re failing Him every day. What a blessing it is to be promised that His grace is sufficient. Thank you so very much for your beautiful words of encouragement. May the Lord be with You and fill you with His peace. God bless you!
Thank you Deb, may God bless you with faith, hope, love, peace and joy!!!… Praise God!!
Thank you, Jack! God bless you!