It doesn't matter how hard we try, none of us are perfect. Every now and then we all stumble. It can come in the form of succumbing to the temptation to commit a sin we thought we'd managed to put behind us, periods of faith-shaking doubt or people who are an obstacle in our path to getting closer to God. Whatever the reason, each stumble can be a huge setback to our faith. Not only do they mean that we've veered off course, but as a result we're often racked with tremendous guilt.
While we should pray to God to deliver us from temptation, take actions to avoid committing sins and confess and repent when we fall short, the beauty of His love for us means that falls don't have to be forever. A fall doesn't define our faith as a failure, it's what we do once we lose our way that characterises us as a true believer or not.
If you're having a hard time navigating your way around stumbling blocks or have recently fallen short of what God requires of you and are in need of reassuring that you are still loved by Him, and that He will help you to rise once more, take a look over the following Bible verses.
Proverbs 3:6 - In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Acts 26:20 - First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.
Psalm 37:23-24 - The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Romans 3:23-25 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished.
1 John 1:8 - If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Proverbs 24:16 - For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
Psalm 145:14-16 - The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
Isaiah 41:13 - For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
