The Way Back - Get Your Christian Life Back On TrackSample

Don’t Give Up!

    In all truth, there’s nothing we would have loved better than to discover the only problem facing the church was that it needed a new advertising slogan, marketing campaign, or social media push. After all, that’s what we do for a living. It would have made writing our book and this devotional easy!

    We’ve discovered together the problem is much deeper, and it goes right to the root of our hearts.

    So as we come to the end of our journey together, we hope this devotional has, to a certain degree, wounded you. Keep in mind that doctors wound us, too, when they cut out a malignant growth. Personal trainers wound us by breaking down our muscles. 

    But just as much wounding you, we hope the healing process has begun. It’s our deepest longing to see us all start taking the way back, and we sincerely hope we’ve inspired you to chase down the faith of our fathers. We promise it’s real, but only if you’re willing to search relentlessly for it. 

    Know that millions of men and women before you, in their own time and place in history, walked the exhilarating and lonely path you walk now. Take strength and solace in knowing you are on the same road as the legends of our faith. They, too, climbed and stumbled. They felt fear and triumph—often in the same day. They also gave up sometimes, but they eventually started over. They all passed this way on the journey, just like you.

    As Billy Graham said, “The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, “O God, forgive me, or help me.”

    In those times where you feel the urge to give in, sometimes all you can count on are the friends around you. Find a band of fellow travelers to support you along the way.

    Lastly, know that you aren’t ever alone. The men and women of the past who have completed the journey before you are rooting you on every step of the way. All of heaven roars at even your smallest victories, and they still willingly cheer your name in your most humiliating defeats. They are true fans.

    Make no mistake: to take the first steps on the way back to a credible, culture-transforming faith will be the hardest steps of your life. After all, you’re walking away from the idol your ego demanded you create. But it is our fervent prayer that you quickly discover that you’ve got a Friend on the journey with you and that He will be there every step of the way.

    PRAYER: Precious Lord, I am covered in bandages from self-inflicted wounds. And I’ve lived long enough to know I’m incapable of healing myself. Only You can make me right. I come to You this day more willing than I’ve ever been to be Your servant. Here I am, Lord. Send me! I can trust You because I now know You’ve believed in me from the beginning. I will follow wherever You lead. Amen.