Walking Forward Without Slipping Back

Two steps forward, one step back. This expression is commonly used to describe situations where progress is made in a situation, but an unexpected event causes a setback.  

We’ve all experienced it — that tug of the old life or behavior trying to sneak back in. Maybe it’s a habit you thought you left behind, an old way of thinking, or even just discouragement that whispers, “You haven’t really changed.” It can feel like you took steps backwards, but the truth of God’s Word reminds us: when we are in Christ, we are made new. The old life is gone, and the new has begun!

It takes time and practice to stay with new behaviors – no one will be perfect in getting it right the first few times. I think about how I worked so hard at not nagging at my husband with words. I practiced in my head of how I was NOT going to nag, sound crabby, and like a broken record…. THEN the words came out of my mouth. Ugh! One step forward, I wanted to change, one step backwards, my mouth was not in line with my brain.

So, how do we keep moving forward without slipping back? Scripture gives us a steady path to walk, and I want to share four truths that have been strengthening me.

4 Truths to a Steady Walk Forward

1. Remember Who You Are in Christ

Your identity is secure in Him. You are not who you used to be — you are chosen, adopted, and free. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:5 that God lovingly adopted us as His own children. Romans 8:1 says there is now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ. When we feel tempted to look back, remembering who we are in Christ helps us stand firm in the new life He has given us.

2. Guard Your Heart and Mind

Proverbs tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Prov. 4:23 NIV). What we allow into our hearts and minds shapes who we become. Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:8 to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, and lovely. When we protect our minds from the world’s negativity and fill them instead with God’s truth, it changes the way we live and respond.

3. Stay Connected to God

Jesus paints such a clear picture in John 15:4-5 when He says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you… for apart from me you can do nothing.” Just like a branch needs the vine to stay alive, we need daily connection with the Lord through prayer, scripture, and worship. It doesn’t have to be complicated or lengthy — what matters is consistency. Even a few minutes of quiet time with Him can reset your spirit and strengthen your walk.

4. Walk with Others Who Strengthen You

We were never meant to walk this journey alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us, “Two are better than one.” Surrounding yourself with fellow believers who will pray with you, encourage you, and hold you accountable can make all the difference. Sometimes the steady step forward comes simply because someone else is walking beside you, cheering you on in faith.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

Be encouraged that you don’t have to fear slipping back into the old ways. Christ has given you a new life, and He has equipped you with His Word, His Spirit, and His people to keep moving forward. Take time this month to lean into these truths: know your identity, guard your mind, stay connected to God, and walk with others. You’ll find yourself not only standing firm but also growing stronger with each step.

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