My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.
A Prayer Of Wandering Faith
When James wrote this scripture he was trying to help the 12 tribes or churches (doing different things) come to terms with their faith. They all wanted to know how to follow Jesus the correct way.
In this passage, James wanted to encourage those who were suffering, sick or sinful to pray. Those who were strong in the faith, were also encouraged to pray, bringing others who were wandering away, back into the fold.
He also wanted believers who were doing great to sing songs of praise. Additionally, he advised that Gods people pray for one another to be healed! As we know, God says that the prayers of the righteous is powerful and very effective (James 5:16).
This Might Be You
We all know of Christians who once were zealous, excited and on fire for God, when they first accepted Jesus into their lives! Excited to speak for God. Ready to testify to the lost and willing to become a disciple. This might be you. 🙂 If it is or once was, it’s OK! We’ve all been there…
When faith is tested, people wander away from God. They lose faith when loved ones die or friendships lost. They believe God is no where around when divorce happens and jobs are taken away. Some believers feel that they are not supposed to suffer or go through things as a Christian.
However, Jesus tells us that we WILL go through trials BECAUSE OF HIM… No one wants to go through anything that hurts them, but as long as we breathe we will endure trials.
I can remember a time in my life when I truly discovered Jesus in my life. If you’ve read my story, I accepted Jesus at the age of 5 yrs old. I can’t really tell you much about Jesus at that time in my life, but I can tell you that I’ve grown up with Gods presence. Unfortunately, I let go of his hand a few times, but He never did!
Looking back on my journey, I left the church a few times. Even when I did attend church, my heart wasn’t truly present. I was there physically, but not mentally or spiritually. I got caught up in worldly things when I was wandering away from the truth. Maybe you can relate?
God Always Keeps His Children Close
As I wandered away, God always kept me close. He would send people to minister to me at work. If I were at a worldly social gathering, I would feel out-of-place. I felt like a stranger who couldn’t find their way back home. The void in my heart was not filled by the world.
You know when you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired? Yes, that was me! God then started communicating to me through my dreams. I never really remember my dreams, but God has a way of making you remember when he’s working on you. Needless to say, those dreams didn’t go away and became louder and louder. Even to the point where it was hard for me to sleep!
Even though God gives us free will, when you are one of his kids, it’s hard for him to let you go! For those of you who have kids, I bet you can relate. If you have a child who’s going astray, you will do your best to give them advice, examples or mentors to help set them back on the right path. God, who is our Father, does that for us!
God will send mentors, pastors, strangers, friends, co-workers or whomever he sees fit to speak with you. He’ll send a word of encouragement right when you need it the most. He’ll also provide a way out of a tough situation when you least expect it. Closed doors – open right up!
Gods Spirit Dwells Inside Of You
So my friends, if you are one of those people who have helped a brother or sister in Christ come back into the fold, kudos to you! You have helped saved a soul from eternal death. I’m grateful God used James to tell us how it’s done!
After you accepted Christ into your life, His spirit dwells inside of you. His spirit is there to help you live sin-free. No, we are not perfect, but Jesus is! I’m so glad that when we go astray, He’s there to lovingly bring us back from our wandering ways.
He’s not there to punish us or make us believe that because we strayed that we are unworthy. That’s Satan trying to convince you of this! Not God… So don’t believe his lies.
Come back to God even when you are estranged from the church. He’s here welcoming you back with open, outstretched, non-judgmental arms!
Forgive yourself and forgive others my friend. God is waiting patiently for your return.
*A Prayer For You – Heavenly Father, we thank you for putting these words of encouragement on my heart to share with those who have a wandering faith, heart or spirit. Thank you for bringing me back into your arms when I strayed. Lord, I ask for you to bless those who are reading this. Even when it seems that all is lost, I ask them to be encouraged. Help them to understand that you are there despite what they have said or done. Help them to fight off the lies of Satan, who tells them that Jesus loves only those who are perfect. Let them know that you love them unconditionally because they are your children. I pray that if they are in the cross roads and don’t know which way to turn, lead them back to you! The Author and Finisher of their faith 🙂
I also pray that if the person reading this doesn’t know you to be their Lord and Savior click here and pray this prayer of life…
In Jesus Name I pray – Amen!
