Oops. That was muddier than I expected.
How to get out of the mud
How to get out of the mud.
1) Stop digging.
And Jesus said, “Go. From now on sin no more.” (John 8:11)
2) Don’t spend all your energy thinking about how you got here (but that’s useful to help prevent getting back in the mud later on. You do need to learn from your mistakes).
Forget what lies behind, reach forward to what lies ahead, and press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13–14)
3) If someone comes by with a towrope, say, “Yes, please, I’d love help.” We are given Christian brothers and sisters for a reason.
Help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. (Romans 16:2)
4) Don’t try to get out of the mud with one huge leap, that’s probably not realistic or productive.
5) Pray about what is the next best (probably small) step and take that step. And then take the next best step. (See Start What Must Be Finished)
6) Don’t get discouraged by how long this might take. It might take five years to get out of the mud. In five years you will be five years older. Period. In five years, you don’t want to be still in the mud. Get going.
7) Watch your attitude. You are a child of God, even in the mud. How can you honor Him where you are? Determine to be grateful for His mercy towards you and His help right now.
8) And then, don’t fall back into the mud again.
