How can I Stand Firm in Faith?
How should I navigate this sinful world, where young generations are being easily led to sin, and where people fall into sin in obliviousness, ignorance, or even with an awareness of it?
How should I stand in this generation where we let evil come out of our lips like it’s nothing, or as effortlessly as breathing?
Can I shield myself from the attacks to corrupt my mind and innocence? Can I stand firm when surrounded by temptations?
Every day is a challenge growing up in this confusing world, where the wrong seems right. How can I recognize deceptions and make the right decisions?
In every place, in every corner, you can hear whispers and mutters of evil. Would you give in and let these fill your ears? Would you let yourself get used to it, accept it as a normalcy, and engage with it?
As a person, I am also a sinner. I am no different from those who gave in to temptation. I sometimes allow the devil to take control of my tongue so that I speak evil. My mind wanders with evil thoughts, and yes, I let the devil fill my heart with hate, too. There were moments I wanted to hurt others to take revenge. At times, I didn’t put God first when I was supposed to.
Indeed, there is no generation without sin, but neither is there a generation where God’s presence and goodness aren’t present. As I scrolled through my phone, I was struck by this quote:
“When you take a shower, you don’t clean yourself before getting in, right? You step in as you are, and the water washes you clean. It’s the same with walking with Christ. You don’t have to clean yourself up first. Come as you are, and let Him do the rest.” – @bebelllllldias, Instagram
Every one of us has our own shortcomings, which the devil takes advantage of to lead us away from God. But our weaknesses and sinfulness must not stop us from going to God. He didn’t say that we should be perfect to go to Him. The Lord didn’t say that only those who have never sinned will be welcomed in heaven. Rather, He prepares a place in His kingdom for those who truly feel remorse and ask for His forgiveness. Just like in the quote above, Jesus lovingly welcomes us when we come to him. Didn’t Jesus eat and stay with sinners and tax collectors? Then, what are you waiting for?
Bring yourself to Jesus. How? We all want to have fun, but fun doesn’t have to lead us away from our Lord. If you feel you are now drowning in sin, do not despair, nor be discouraged, nor lose hope of being saved. Just come to him. Ask for forgiveness and make an effort to prevent yourself from sinning again and again. When God seems far away, remember it’s not Him that strayed. He’s always there, and He never walks away from you. So come back to him, because our heart is restless until it rests in Him.
Peter, the disciple, denied him three times. It is a great sin to deny the Lord your God among your peers or even in your heart. But Jesus forgave Peter and chose him to become our first Pope, the first leader of the Catholic Church, and the rock on whom Jesus built His church. Truly, we cannot comprehend God’s love for us. We cannot measure the depths of His mercy.
God is like a father who holds a feast in celebration of his prodigal son’s return, like a compassionate king who forgives his servant’s loan, and like a rich king who fed people from the streets in his banquet. Remember how Jesus held out his hand when Peter cried out that he was drowning because of his little faith in Him?
Wherever you are now, whatever your situation is, hold on to Jesus’ words when He said, “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and the door shall be opened to you”. So, seek the Lord, come to him, knock on his door, and ask for His forgiveness. He is waiting with open arms, ready to embrace and love you, for you are precious to Him.