Endurance in Faith

Living in faith allows us to bask in God's peace. As Paul wrote in Philippians chapter 4 (ESV),

... in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

But living in such faithful peace also carries a large responsibility. Specifically, we cannot backslide into sinful ways. Hebrews chapter 10:26-27 states (ESV),

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

Note the phrase "if we go on sinning." The phrase doesn't say "if we sin," because sin is an unfortunate, and uniquely earthly, part of life, even among believers. But as believers, when we sin, we must recognize that sin and repent. As Luke writes in Acts 3:19 (ESV),

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.

Don't wait for God's punishment. In our prayers, we should explore our hearts and actions for thoughts and deeds that run counter to God's will, and humbly ask for forgiveness. Then we can return to walking in God's peace!