There can never be anything trickier than being entangled with a sinful habit. It's frustrating to realize that you keep coming back to it —that you have failed to get out once again.
In the midst of discouragement caused by failing, God's character does not change.
The Lord is good,
a strong refuge when trouble comes.
He is close to those who trust in him.
-Nahum 1:7
Yes, sin isn't something that's to belittle. However, upon coming to our senses that we have done what is not pleasing to God, we can trust Him. His loving nature will welcome us with forgiveness when there is repentance.
While God awaits for an immediate turn of the heart, the enemy enjoys seeing God's people delay it. The enemy likes to pile on guilt and shame on the action done so that it'll be harder to come to God.
The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great,
and he never lets the guilty go unpunished.
-Nahum 1:3
Punishment is to be expected. It is for certain when repentance does not happen. No 'unfortunate' event in the present can compare with what John wrote in Revelation 14:9-11.
“Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or on the hand must drink the wine of God’s anger. It has been poured full strength into God’s cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.”
On the other hand, a gift of eternity with God awaits for those described as this:
"They have kept themselves as pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb. They have told no lies; they are without blame."
-Revelation 14:4-5
The contrast of punishment for those who follow their own desires and reward for those who have lived holy lives is to encourage God's people to do three things.
"This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus."
-Revelation 14:12
Enduring patiently is the first key. Hardships are to be anticipated in our Christian walk; perhaps the sufferings of Job is to remind us it is possible to blameless while going through suffering.
"In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God."
-Job 1:22
The second key is to continue obedience. Let us not allow the mistakes we have committed overshadow opportunities to obey God.
Lastly, just like a car that goes through rough roads, maintenance is necessary in our faith. It has to be renewed daily. Fix what needs to be. Throw off what slows it down.
Keeping oneself pure —in a world that promotes sin as a normal way of life— is only possible through the grace of God. We can overcome faithful endurance and obedience!
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