Grace Family,
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” — Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
Stop Reaching Back
In Sunday’s message, Messy Deliverance, we were reminded of a truth that speaks to every believer:
“Messy deliverance is what it looks like when God brings us out, but we are still learning to stop reaching back.”
Sometimes the struggle isn’t that God hasn’t opened the door. It’s that we keep looking over our shoulder at the things He has called us to leave behind.
Paul understood that struggle. In Romans 7, he describes wanting to do what is right while wrestling with the pull of sin. Yet his cry does not end in defeat: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25).
Our freedom is found in Christ. But learning to walk in that freedom calls for daily surrender. Old habits, attitudes, and patterns can feel familiar—even when they are no longer good for us. Familiarity is not the same as freedom.
Grace does not invite us to pretend the struggle is easy. Grace invites us to bring the struggle into the light, submit ourselves to God, and take the next faithful step.
Don’t let what God brought you out of become what you keep reaching back for.
This Week’s Challenge
Identify one old habit, attitude, or pattern you have been tempted to return to. Name it honestly before God. Then take one practical step away from it this week—whether that means changing a routine, seeking accountability, or replacing that moment with prayer and Scripture.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the times we reach back toward what You have called us to leave behind. Renew our minds, strengthen our resolve, and teach us to walk in the freedom You have given us. When the struggle feels messy, help us keep surrendering to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.