Feb. 7

Charles Spurgeon · Faith's Checkbook

RETURN FROM BACKSLIDING

   "If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up" Job 22:23

   Eliphaz, in this utterance, spoke a great truth, which is the summary
   of many an inspired Scripture. Reader, has sin pulled you down? Have
   you become like a ruin? Has the hand of the Lord gone out against you,
   so that in estate you are impoverished, and in Spirit you are broken
   down? Was it your own folly which brought upon you all this
   dilapidation? Then the first thing to be done is to return to the Lord.
   With deep repentance and sincere faith find your way back from your
   backsliding. It is your duty, for you have turned away from Him whom
   you professed to serve. It is your wisdom, for you cannot strive
   against Him and prosper. It is your immediate necessity, for what He
   has done is nothing compared to what He may do in the way of
   chastisement, since He is Almighty to punish.

   See what a promise invites you! You shall be "built up." None but the
   Almighty can set up the fallen pillars, and restore the tottering walls
   of your condition; but He can and He will do it if you return to Him.
   Do not delay. Your crushed mind may quite fail you if you go on to
   rebel; but hearty confession will ease you, and humble faith will
   console you. Do this, and all will be well.