RETURNING OF DRIFTING SAINTS: The Reality of Having a Close Spiritually Focused Life with The Lord

The theme for this week’s Devotional is Return of Drifting Saints. Prior to Covid the American Church saw a drop in attendance. Post Covid and the pandemic has kept a sizeable number of saints away from church. Our Devotional team shares testimonies and encouragement from God’s Word to stir up the return of love and good works.

The Hebrew writer warns Saints to take Christ’s teachings seriously or else they will be prone to wander from it and suffer consequences. Saints must pay attention to what they have heard, for “the Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).” God’s Word is likened to a lamp that guides your steps, and a light that shows the path you should take. This Word is a forever gift to man; for, it prevents saints from wandering off into paths that would turn them away from the path of life; it teaches man to live soberly righteously, godly, and holy, while- by it is the difference between true and false doctrine. Saints, God’s path is paved with mercy and truth. He speaks to us by His Son and this Son is Creator, Sustainer, Owner, Ruler, and Redeemer of the world. Hear Him.

Fellow believers gather together for worship service every Sunday across cities, towns, and states of this western world. All profess to be born again, of like mind, with one voice, and serving one God-who is the Lord Jesus Christ, God’ Son. There is an unawareness of drifting saints who sit among the congregation. These individuals have lost their appetite for listening to God’s Word. It is from heaven that the Son of God is speaking to us in an intimate way through the ministry of the Gospel, giving us everything that is needed for us to persevere through this life. The voice of Jesus is sadly drowned by voices of the world. The drifter fails to focus on the main thing that would edify the Lord Jesus. For, our salvation is sure, and our redemption is complete. This person does not engage in actions that would cause him/her to drift; it is a lack of proper actions or just what one is not doing. Drifting does happen through a failure to keep a firm grip on the truth (Word of God). His carelessness, and a lack of concern for a closer walk with God is a serious matter. We are called to pay close attention to what we have heard, “lest we drift away” (Hebrews 2:1). Our heavenly Father calls us to listen to His beloved Son’s voice-(Luke 9:35), for” His voice will keep you and preserve to the end in His power.”
 
Drifting away from God is a serious matter, therefore stay true to God’s Word, for there is power in His Word; power to strengthen, power to change one’s mind, power to bring to repentance, and power to reveal the truth in His Word. The Bible does not mention the term “returning drifters.” Yet the Bible does warn against drifting away from God and reminds believers to remain steadfast in the faith. It is written, “Therefore we must pay close attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it (Hebrews 2:1).” Yet, while you are drifting, the Lord is drawing your heart back, to Him. “He draws near to those who draw near to Him (James 4:8).” No matter where we find ourselves, He is with us. You might stray or even drift; He has promised that “He will be with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).” You can never drift beyond His reach. He never loses sight of His saints, nor will He turn away from them. He waits faithfully with open arms. Drifting Saint, yield to the Holy Spirit, repent, pray to Him, read your Bible, attend worship services, and surround yourself with other believers. You are returning back to God’s outstretched, opened arms. “Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).”
 
Prayer: Lord God, in Your Word I am reminded that Your ways are not like mere men’s ways. When I error, You are always with me to pick me up and start the process of restoration -demonstrating that You love me and promise never to leave me nor forsake me. Your love, mercy, and grace are never depleted, and I am so grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen
By Novella D. Carpenter