When You Trip, Grace Holds

A clear path after the storm, a quiet picture of no condemnation in Jesus

Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More, Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash

We all know the tug of war inside. Like Paul, our minds agree with the goodness of God’s ways, yet our members still house old patterns that try to drag us back. Ray Stedman points us to the headline that steadies a trembling heart, there is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus. That little phrase in Christ changes the whole landscape.

In Adam we lived under sin’s rule. In Jesus we were transferred into a new realm, a people in Him, sharing His life and standing. Condemnation does not belong in this new address. The Father does not reject His children when they stumble. He does not kick us out, nor does He cross His arms in disgust. He indwells us by the Spirit and stays.

Stedman reminds us that God meets our falls with a Father’s steadying hand. He knows growth takes time. Even mature saints trip at times. Sin is deceitful, yet the Spirit is present and active, leading us to walk as who we now are. The answer is not white-knuckled vows or a stricter list. The answer is a Person, Jesus alive in us, and the settled verdict of no condemnation.

So when you catch yourself saying, what is wrong with me, remember who is right within you. You are in Christ. He is in you. Condemnation is not your portion. Correction, yes. Companionship, always. Condemning shame, no. Let this truth quiet your heart today, and give thanks for the way the Spirit keeps you, grows you, and guides your steps.

Journal Entry, Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

I am with you, and I do not condemn you. You are in My Son, and I have placed you there by grace through faith. In Him you are a new creation, and I dwell in you to make this life real. When you face the pull of the flesh, remember, you are not its debtor. I set you free from its rule, and I work in you to will and to act for My good pleasure.

When you stumble, come into the light with Me. I correct as a loving Father, not as an accuser. I lift you, steady you, and train you to walk as My child. The verdict over you stands. No condemnation. My seal remains on you. My love will not let you go. Nothing can separate you from Me in Christ Jesus.

So yield your moments to Me. Set your mind on the things of the Spirit. As you received Jesus by faith, continue to walk in Him by faith. I am your life. I renew your mind with truth. I lead you to put off the old ways and put on the character of My Son. You are in My family, and I rejoice to see My Son’s life expressed in you.

Real-Life Analogy

Think of power steering in a car. Your hands are on the wheel, and tiny inputs guide the path. The hidden system supplies the real force that turns the wheels. You are involved, yet you are not the source. In the same way, the indwelling Spirit of Jesus supplies the life and power, while you yield your moments to Him.

A real moment to try today. You snap at a coworker, and the old rush of self-reproach surges. Instead of camping in shame or promising stricter vows, pause and turn. Say, Lord, I trust You to express Your patience and honesty through me right now. Then walk back, own your words without self-punishment, and let Him speak through you with a calm apology and a fresh tone. That is not you managing yourself by rules. That is you trusting the One who lives in you to do what you cannot do by effort alone.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, thank You that in Jesus there is no condemnation over my life. Thank You that You placed me in Your Son, sealed me with Your Spirit, and made me new. Thank You that You work in me to will and to act, that nothing separates me from Your love, and that Your correction is kind and purposeful. I rest in Your verdict and in Your presence. I rejoice that the life of Jesus is my life today.

Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section

Romans 8:1, Romans 8:9 to 11, Romans 6:6 to 14, Romans 5:17 to 19, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:24 to 25, Colossians 2:6 to 7, Colossians 3:1 to 14, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 1:13 to 14, Ephesians 2:4 to 10, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:13, John 15:1 to 5, John 10:28 to 29, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Hebrews 12:5 to 11, Psalm 103:13 to 14, 1 John 1:7 to 9, Romans 8:31 to 39