Ken Christian
Drifting From the Lord: Excerpt from David Wilkerson
By Ken Christian
Apr 26, 2006 - 6:08:00 PM

We could become slothful, spiritually neglectful, caught up in prayerlessness, and go for days without seeking God’s Word. The Bible warns clearly that it is possible for devoted believers to drift from Christ. It offers a powerful warning about guarding against falling asleep in the midnight hour. Believe me, we are in the midnight hour -- NOW!

Biblical examples of once strong churches that ended up drifting are: In Revelation, we read of the Ephesian church grieving Christ by drifting away from their first love. Even now I believe we have, ourselves, drifted away. Likewise, the Laodicean church drifted into being lukewarm, and the church at Sardis drifted into spiritual death. Paul warns the believers in Galatia that they had drifted from the victory of Christ’s cross and had turned back to works of their flesh. Any of this sound familiar? In Ephesians 5:14-16, Paul says “awake thou that sleepest.” See then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Eternity is invading time and we do not have much time left at all! He also added that some believers have become “wanton against Christ, some are already turned aside after satan” (1 Tim 5:11, 15) Each of these passages is directed not to non-believers but to Spirit-filled Christians. This message is Clear. Awake from your slumber. Stir up your gift! (1 Cor 10:7, 12) “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth , take heed, lest he fall”. Don’t misunderstand: Paul isn’t talking here about falling away from Christ. He’s speaking of a fall from diligence. Peter warns likewise: “Because lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.”

(2 Cor 12:9) “ My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” David, the author of so many Psalms, grew weary of his struggles. He was so tired in soul, so embattled and beset by troubles, all he wanted was to escape to a place of peace and safety. (Ps 55 4-8). I believe the body of Christ is in the midst of a “perfect storm”. Hell has erupted, and satan has launched an all out attack on the remnant church. By the way, there is a remnant church, and they are coming out of the caves. (1 Kings 19:10-18). They are overcoming “church”. Many believers are on the retreat, wanting out of the struggle completely. They have decided “I’ve had it. I won’t leave Jesus, but I’m going to find an easier way!

There is NONE!

We find the power and glory of Christ primarily in the midst of the storm. Right in the middle. Jesus is still in the fire and if you want to get to Him or stay with Him, that’s where he has always been and always will be! A Christian who goes after “peace and safety at any cost” and merely hangs onto salvation, pays a high spiritual price. (2 Cor 13:5) Give more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” (Heb 2:1).  As lover of Christ, test yourself. Take a spiritual inventory. Ask yourself: How is my communion with Christ? Are you guarding it with all diligence? Are you leaning on Him in your hard times? Don’t curse your hard times. (2 Cor 12:9)

Do YOU recognize a drifting in your Christian walk?

Consider Peter’s drifting and his eventual renewal. This man denied Christ, even cursing, telling his accusers, “I don’t know him”. What had brought Peter to that point? It was pride, the result of self righteous boasting. This disciple had said to himself and others. “I could never grow cold in my love for Jesus. I’ve reached a place in my faith where I don’t have to be warned. (Ouch) Others may drift, but I will die for my Lord”. Yet, Peter was the first among the disciples to give up the struggle. He gave up his calling and returned to his old career, telling the others, “I’m going fishing”. (Jn 21:3) “I just can’t face the struggle anymore.” Peter was forgiven, and healed of his drifting, when the Holy Spirit (Jesus) breathed on him. Yet, he was still a frayed man inside. Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me more than these others?” Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know I do.”, and Christ responded in turn, “Feed my sheep.” Jesus, at this time, didn’t remind him to watch and pray, or to be diligent in reading God’s Word. He presumed those things had already been well taught.  No, the instruction he gave Peter now was, “Feed my sheep.” I believe Jesus was instructing Peter on how to guard against neglect. He was saying, in essence, “I want you to forget about your failure, forget that you drifted from me. I’ve forgiven and restored you. So it is time to get your focus off your doubts, failures and problems, and the way to do that is by not neglecting my people and to minister to their needs. It is time for the church to minister to the needs of the people, stop playing church and become the church that God has called us to be in these last moments of time.

I finish with this: If you are persistent in prayer and studying God’s Word, that will prosper your soul. But now is the time also to ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the needs on our very doorstep. He will be faithful to lead you into opportunities to minister, to show you a need you have often passed by, but have never “seen” before. If you respond to such leading, you will never drift. That is the safeguard, the wall of protection to “Feed my Sheep.”

I pray that this has blessed you as much as it has blessed me. Amen! May God Bless and direct you for “Such a time as this”.