O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up.

You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.

Psalm 139:1-3

Following Jesus is a long-term commitment; It’s definitely a marathon, not a sprint. And each of us will have plenty of bumps in the road—times when temptation wins and sin sends us right into the ditch. When we mess up, our tendency is to just sit there in the ditch and keep sinning, rather than getting back on the right path. Sin is anything that goes against God’s will, His character, and His heart, but we like to apply a sort of rating system when we sin. “It’s too small to matter” or “it doesn’t feel that wrong” or “I’m not as bad as them!” But sin grows in the dark, “small” sin never stays small, and sin is still sin, no matter whose you’re comparing it to. 

Jesus wants us to stay on the path He has for us, but when we mess up, He wants us to get back on the road, no matter how many miles off course we may have veered! Over and over in the Gospels, Jesus meets people in their ditches. He sees their sin, but it doesn’t keep them from Him. He meets them right in the middle of it and offers grace and love and relationship. He does the same for us. He meets us right in the dirt. He knows everything about us. He sees every one of our mistakes but refuses to let them define us, and He loves us—more than we can even fathom!! He loves us far too much to let us keep justifying our sin, and He calls us to get back on the road immediately. Not because He’s controlling, but because He knows it’s the road that leads to our very best life.

Jesus came to earth as a human and understands the temptations we face, but He also knows how to avoid falling for them. Staying close to Him is the only way. If you are struggling with a sin, especially one kept hidden, talk to someone about it. Sin grows in the dark, but when you bring it out in the light of Jesus, it no longer seems impossible to overcome. Ask Him to help you leave your sin in the ditch and get back on the road. He will show you the way to your very best life! You are loved!