The journey back to God after sinning often involves obstacles that hinder restoration. Reflecting on the prodigal son’s return, it is likely that similar roadblocks confronted him. The following are key areas to avoid during the process of returning to God.
- Let go of the desire to return to a former state. Dwelling on the past prevents growth. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Philippians 3:13). Focus on becoming what God intends, not on recreating the past.
- Avoid equating success with restoration. Pleasing God comes from obedience, not personal achievements. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Achievements through self-effort often lead to further failure.
- Release the need for perfection. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). God’s role is to perfect His followers, not to demand perfection from them.
- Refrain from self-judgment. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Accept the forgiveness found in Christ and move forward.
- Resist the urge to seek approval. “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). Acceptance in Christ is sufficient.
- Understand that restoration is not dependent on the opinions of others. “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). Identity is found in Christ.
- Avoid measuring restoration by achievements. “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7). Allow God to produce results.
- Do not let fear of the future be driven by past failures. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Dwelling on past sins often leads to repeating them.
- Stop fixating on consequences. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Live beyond consequences and allow God to use them for growth.
- Reject the belief that failure defines identity. “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again” (Proverbs 24:16). Many biblical figures experienced failure yet fulfilled God’s purpose.
- Let go of concerns over unchangeable circumstances. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Focus on the future, not what cannot be changed.
- Release resentment. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). Bitterness only causes internal damage.
- Recognize that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). The Christian life is meant to be lived in community.
- Avoid placing a timeline on restoration. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Trust God’s timing.
- Relinquish the need to control the process. “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:14). Restoration is achieved by yielding to God.
- Refuse to believe that past opportunities were the only ones available. “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” (Isaiah 43:19). God provides new opportunities.
- Reject the notion of permanent suffering for past sins. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11). God’s plans include joy and renewal.
- Disregard the opinions of others. “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25). Focus on God’s perspective.
The journey back to God may be challenging, but avoiding these hindrances will aid in a successful return to Him.