Title: "Two Steps Forward, One Step Back"

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For a born-again Christian, this phrase can describe the tension between genuine progress in faith and the recurring temptation to fall back into old habits. It’s not unusual for believers to feel like they are advancing in holiness, only to stumble again. The Bible acknowledges this struggle and offers both warning and hope.

Key Bible Verses
- Romans 7:19 – “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.”  
  Paul himself wrestled with this cycle, showing that even the most devoted can feel trapped in back-and-forth progress.
- Proverbs 24:16 – “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.”  
  Falling is not the end; the mark of righteousness is rising again.
- Galatians 5:17 – “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh…”  
  This verse explains why believers often feel pulled backward even after moving forward.
- 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  
  God’s grace ensures that setbacks don’t define the believer’s destiny.

Biblical Stories of Back-and-Forth Progress
- Peter – Boldly walked on water toward Jesus (forward), but then doubted and began to sink (backward). Later, he denied Christ three times, yet was restored and became a pillar of the early church.  
- Israel in the Wilderness – Freed from Egypt (forward), but repeatedly complained and longed for slavery again (backward). Still, God patiently led them to the Promised Land.  
- Samson – Empowered by God (forward), but entangled in sin and compromise (backward). Yet in his final act, he fulfilled God’s purpose.  

Encouragement for the Struggling Believer
- Progress in faith is rarely a straight line; it’s often a cycle of growth, failure, repentance, and restoration.  
- God values perseverance more than perfection. Each “step backward” can become a lesson that strengthens future steps forward.  
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers to break free from perpetual backsliding (Romans 8:1–2).

If you find yourself caught in the cycle of recurring backslides, I urge you to humble yourself before God today. Go on your knees and pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit to strengthen you, to keep you rooted in Christ, and to empower you to live faithfully for Him all the days of your life. Make it a priority to attend a Bible-teaching church where the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed, and seek fellowship with mature believers. Stay close to a church elder or mentor who can guide, encourage, and hold you accountable in your walk with the Lord.  

Share your thoughts here and feel free to share this devotional with your contacts. ©Dr. Joel Olanrewaju, gbemide09@gmail.com.

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