Open Heaven 26 January 2026: Restore Backsliders
MEMORISE: Jude 1:22-23
And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
READ: Luke 15:1-7
1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Read Other Open Heaven Devotional Here
Do you know anyone who used to be a Christian but has returned to the world? If yes, what have you done to restore such a person back to Christ? You might say that you have once tried unsuccessfully to talk to him or her about returning to Christ; however, have you tried again? Will you allow the fellow to remain on the path to hell just because you don’t want him or her to reject your counsel again?
Many years ago, some church members and I followed up on a church member who had backslidden, and thankfully, he returned to Christ.
However, after a while, he backslide again and left the church. We did everything we could to get him to return until it got to a point where I said, “I’m tired. I’ll leave this man to do whatever he likes.”
Many years later, I went to preach at the University of Ife. After my ministration, I wanted to return to Lagos, but God told me to travel in the opposite direction. I did not know where God was leading me to until I got to the neighbourhood where this brother lived. It was at that moment that I knew what God wanted me to do.
I went to his house, and when I got there, his wife hurried to tell him that I had come to visit them. He did not believe it; he thought she was playing a prank on him until he came out and saw me waiting for him.
That visit was all it took for him to return to the faith. He probably said to himself, “If you could still remember me and reach out to me after all these years and all the rejection, then your love for me is real, and I am returning.”
Beloved, don’t give up on anyone who has backslidden. Keep following up on them prayerfully, and never give up until the Holy Spirit convicts them to return to the faith again. Just one more phone call or visit from you may save such people from spending eternity in hell. Intentionally go after backsliders and restore them to the Lord.
In today’s memory verse, the Bible talks about having compassion on such people. Keep reaching out to them, and never stop interceding on their behalf until they are restored.
Remember, there’s a great reward for winning souls, as the Bible says that those who turn many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever (Daniel 12:3).
ACTION POINT
If you know anyone who has backslidden, prayerfully reach out to him or her today.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Exodus 35-37
Open Heaven 26 January 2026
