How to Handle Spiritual Setbacks

After reading a book on will power, Fr. Mike discovered an important lesson when it comes to how we handle spiritual setbacks. He noticed how resisting sin is a lot like resisting a donut when on a diet. If we resist for some time but then end up giving in and eating the donut, that doesn’t mean all of our progress in the diet is lost.
In the same way, if we resist sin for some time but then give in, the grace God offers us through confession can restore us. In fact, it can restore to even higher than we were before.
“Law came in, to increase the trespass; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20).
So let’s not give up when we fall into sin, but keep our eyes on heaven and God’s grace and live accordingly.
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[@kriscrowley8773]

You have no idea how badly I needed this video today.

[@tryhardf844]

Good,remember that Peter denied Christ 3 times in front of him,and still tried hard enough to have a chance. If Peter did so,we all can.

[@cadenbuschur7697]

Praying for you!

[@Arkangilos]

Same. This is literally what my spiritual director has been helping me with today because this past week was so despairing.

[@BioErikaS]

Yo también necesitaba escuchar esto.

[@marvineldon9284]

Me too brother

[@emmalee9747]

I had just gone to confession for the first time in over 20 years and back to the Catholic Church and it just about took all the courage I had to do so. Thank you for this video.

[@rinjaminbutton]

welcome home :)

[@26OP011]

if you have kids keep your eye on them catholic priests love kids

[@juanis8219]

barry morris *corrupted pieces of garbage disguised as priests love kids not Catholic priests. A true catholic priest would never harm a child or anyone for that matter

[@Windmill97]

Emma, thank you for sharing, and rest in His peace knowing that He wants you to continue to strive for virtue and holiness.

[@26OP011]

@@juanis8219 then why does the church hide and protect them if it isnt the whole church ?,i think your deluding yourself

[@gill426]

Man, I wish I could go to your parish as often as possible! I'm sitting here in the midst of Eastern Germany (I was born here and generally I love it!) but Catholicism is very, very unpopular and Christianity in general is a very marginal subject, people find it weird. Especially today I had an encounter with how spiritually and religiously dry it is here, that is not good for the soul *at all* . Well maybe there's a reason God put me here after all. Either way, I'm so glad that I can follow you through KZbin and connect to other Christians via the internet. I honestly need it so much with all my heart. Thank you for your work, Father Mike, you're awesome! ♡

[@s.n.4740]

hi, as a fellow German I can tell you that Bavaria is a very Catholic part of Germany. Especially the rural areas. God Bless!

[@gill426]

@@s.n.4740 Hi! Thanks, I know but I really love Saxony, where I live. I've actually had the best Catholic experience so far in a small Church at the Baltic Sea. But here my search continues, I might pray about it and I'm sure God can lead me to where the best place for my spiritual path can be found. :) ♡ God bless ya!

[@sillyioussodus6373]

Fear not gill426, it's your journey and your cross to bear .we traverse through most unholy and unchristian (predictive text wouldn't even spell unchristian for me) , for im sure the lumbering load of your cross to bear is a dammed site more tolerable than the empty feeling of nihilistic free expression and the crack of Satan's whip across your soul. Cling onn for your (eternal ) life

[@caseyschipper9146]

Hi I’m from Michigan. Not a catholic but I am a Christian. Good on you and keep strong over there

[@fyodordostoyevsky3805]

Grüße

[@eristonmansambu8225]

Oh Jesus, Son of the Living God, please have mercy on me, poor sinner😥😥😥

[@emanuelbotello23]

Don’t engage in self loathing it is a pit that I usually fall into. The only thing it does for me is feeling bad then I return into the same sin without hesitation. Instead focus on the word of the Lord and do more self reflection on how to either control or manage bad habits that lead you into sin. Changing one small bad habit has a long lasting effect in correcting yourself.

[@BlessedLifeLoveandFaith]

I feel so sad for committing a sexual sin with my serious boyfriend, something I keep confessing repeatedly. I can't wait to go to Confession tomorrow, so I can get rid of this feeling. :( Thank you Fr. Mike, may God bless you always. I always think your videos help me more than I could ask for.

[@momof2boyss40]

You’re pretty amazing and we Catholics are blessed to have you at this point in the church’s history🙏

[@stephenjohn8201]

Jeremiah - Chapter 8 4 'You are to tell them, "Yahweh says this: If someone falls, can he not stand up again? If people stray, can they not turn back? Get back on saddle and continue striving for spiritual journey. God Bless You. Amen

[@PedroAntonioLea-PlazaPuig]

In this confusing times for the Church a lot of us feel fatherless. Fr. Mike you are being a father to us and a reminder of the love of the only true father who truly deserves to be called one, our Heavenly Father.

[@jsimangan]

The timing of this video in my life scares me. Truly God’s timing is perfect.

[@Claudia-ur7hq]

I really needed this today. I felt so far from grace and prayed a short prayer asking God to restore me and lead me to a restorative word. I could have easily overlooked this video as I'm not catholic but somehow I was prompted to listen and I was totally comforted by it. Thank you Jesus. Feeling elevated through grace and renewed mercies.

[@ivorybow]

Father Mike, your homily reminded me of Peter, who betrayed Him 3 times, and then was not only forgiven, but given the Keys of Heaven. If only we could understand and believe that about ourselves. Believing in God's unconditional forgiveness is very, very hard for me, and I suspect, others.

[@AnaClaudia-yh5np]

Carolyn, believe it: when Jesus sees us, He doesn’t remember our sins. His love is so incredible that we can’t even imagine. He accepts us in a way the nobody hasn’t ever done and will never do. And His love is the only love that can really fills us completely and make us have nothing to desire but find ways to retribute (even in a very modest manner) such enormous Love. God bless you! * English is not my first language, so I apologize for any mistake.

[@NewNoise1]

Me too man. We sin so much we are not even deserving of it. But it just goes to show you the love our father has for us. There is not a word that can describe the infinite amount of love he as for us his children. Im truly sorry for all the bad things I’ve done because our father tuly doesn’t deserve us behaving the way we do. He gives us what we need and plus more. Im telling you man Our father God loves us extremely too much plus more. Everytime I pray he blesses me ubundantly plus more. Honestly all I can do is say thank you and be a testimony for the love he has for us thats it.

[@khai9719]

This comment blows my mind woww!

[@juanis8219]

Really needed to hear this. I’ve been slipping a lot. Being Catholic is extremely stressful and life is so frustrating as a Catholic. But I’m sure I’ll never be happy doing anything else. Also I literally could not stop laughing when you accidentally said “I ended the donut” instead of I ended up eating the donut. You ended the donut you ate the donut same thing😭😭 I don’t know why I thought that was so funny lol

[@InhabitantOfOddworld]

A very necessary video. Resisting temptation is one of our hardest challenges. It's important to accept forgiveness and move on though. Lingering on sin and self-deprecation ends up being just another facet of pride.

[@lexodius]

When you get elevated after sin is because you need it. Don't desire the super drug when you're healthy.

[@nickj5451]

Amen!

[@LiftRunFight]

Never heard of this concept, but experienced it. Thank you.

[@extraecclesiamnullasalus9308]

I don't know if it's Our Lord or my guardian angel but the video I need most for a certain situation always pops up in suggestions! For example this one today!

[@tomsaltsman]

As always, great insight, Fr. Mike. However, here's my shorter version: "Don't compound your besetting sin with 'despair,' another sin. Remember faith, hope, and love.

[@user-ou4tk7eg8i]

I just went to confess my sins yesterday and I’m not sure if this is a coincidence that this is your topic but I’m really glad you explained this

[@maryk7362]

I've been Catholic my whole life and this is the first time I've really heard this teaching explained. It isn't spoken about enough. Thank you!

[@andrewdrew677]

Mary K Romans 8 King James Version (KJV) 8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

[@Alexa-kb7fl]

The parable of the prodigal son comes to mind. Thank you Fr. Mike - gives me hope when I feel rotten and self loathing.

[@melindahart457]

Thank you Father! I had a couple of weeks where I couldn't really pray or go to Church because of the condemnation I struggled with. This really helped!

[@andrewdrew677]

Melinda Hart Romans 8 King James Version (KJV) 8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

[@valerveryfrantastic]

I have felt this to a very overwhelming degree in my heart that I was in the wrong after a terrible personal decision. I gave in. My anxiety had heightened and I felt like a door was shut on me and I no longer felt god was protecting me right after I made a bad choice. I cried and prayed and I’m still praying after being off track and not noticing how destructive it was until I realized I was also hurting myself by agreeing to something that wasn’t initially right or good at all. I know I need to be apart of fellowship more often and not allow myself to drift or wander and then sin greatly. This whole spiritual journey seems to be making sense one mistake at a time. I wish I had done better a whole lot better at times but I can’t take back what was already done. But I’m also willing to be honest about how this affected me and my heart.

[@NewNoise1]

Honestly I thought it was over for me. Im glad Our lord picks us up right away and is very loving and generous. I can truthfully say with out Christ I’d be over with. Thank you Jesus! This just shows the love he has for us and how much he truly wants to save us and cares for us. He does it all for us. No matter how many times we fail him and fall short our lord is by our side always. Thank you father mike.

[@tiffandtimcostello3260]

This elevation Father speaks of is why devotional Confession is of massive importance in the spiritual life. People tend to think that Confession is only for those in a state of mortal sin; however, it is not. Going to Confession also helps us grow in virtue so that we may avoid those near occasions of sin and grow in humility.

[@stuntinonem1013]

Father Mike, your videos and explanations have helped clarify so many things that I struggle to understand about God and my relationship with God. Your videos are so extremely helpful and inspiring to me. Thank you so very much. You have helped me more than words can describe. God bless.

[@hraider21]

Why can’t I like this more than once? Thank you Father Mike 🙏

[@powerliftingcentaur]

I was going to cool it with the Ascension Presents comments, but the St. Paul example left me laughing so hard I can’t be temperate and resist. The 🍩 example made me realize I was good today and did not attend the retiree luncheon where I would have spread a bubonic like plague to the elderly. The 🍩 example also made me realize, depressingly, that whenever we had a feed at work, we always, without fail, had enough food to feed the homeless. We should have. God knows they were never that far away. The St. Paul example made me laugh as that is exactly how I think. I don’t go to confession for anything small. It has to be BIG. I am reminded I need to go soon, when my health permits. Not that this is the kind of really big sin I favor. Rather, small moments can loom large. In the meantime, on the way, I’ll give an alm to a homeless as recompense for past feeds.

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Thank you, Jesus for our restoration and your generosity. You rock Father Mike-eee. ;)🙌🏻🙏🏻✝️💜🕊☮️

[@lovelast4evergemma508]

Yes this is hopeful even for the those crushed and broken 💔 this brought tears ThankYou Father

[@frankdelldeanofsatireandmi5791]

God bless you Father. I am a Catholic discerning priesthood/religious life because of your videos (you kept me a lot of company via KZbin a couple years ago when I was first returning! I'd binge your videos doing laundry etc) but continue to struggle with sexual addiction. Thank you for this video. Longing to be better.

[@NewNoise1]

I have a big smile in my face after this.

[@heaven4715]

For a moment there, I felt Him embrace me. This is so beautiful and everyone should hear it.

[@journeyriders7393]

Chastity after 10 plus years of the opposite is tough. Needed to hear this I am at confession every week and it makes me not want to go.

[@ryanalving3785]

I know it isn't easy, but hope in God. He will neither leave you, nor forsake you. May his peace guard your heart. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

[@gabrielab.3446]

Just went to Mass, feeling really discouraged because I said no to a temptation but then fell into it again. I asked the Lord to help me know how to feel about it. I come home, open KZbin, and this video immediately pops up. God truly uses you Fr. Mike. Thank you so much! I needed to share that!

[@RobertEricJenkins]

Christ is so infinitely generous! I love You, LORD. Thank you.

[@danieldellamarine1363]

Have been struggling with sins for months. Really needed this video. I often feel arid when I pray but then realize after the fact that grace comes in when I least expect it.

[@bdup159]

Oh my gosh this is great. I've been feeling absolutely terrible about things even after confession, that back to zero feeling, unworthy unlovable unforgivable . Thank you for this .

[@therese5361]

Bridget Dupin , I know what you mean!

[@michaelhudecek2778]

Dear Father Mike I needed to hear this!! Thank you!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️♥️♥️♥️🌹😊😊😊😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@carrierodrigues441]

This video really hit😇♥️thank you so very much Fr. Mike!

[@JacobSmith-rx5xj]

God's using all of you guys on this channel to speak. Thank you all at Ascension Presents for being conduits of God's love. God put this video in my way at just the right time

[@thischarminglovehound2376]

Can you please do a video on coping with scrupulosity?

[@littledrummergirl_19]

Yes please!!!

[@jaimeatadero7959]

Agreed!

[@pearlyseine8957]

Yes please!

[@PedroAntonioLea-PlazaPuig]

Yes!

[@xoxLyndezxox]

YES PLEASE! 🙏🏻

[@robertameuchel4786]

God Bless You, Father Mike !!! Exactly what I needed to hear and grasp as God's child from my Heavenly Father; Beautiful !!! I'll be going to confession on Saturday. This pandemic has been quite difficult to get to Mass and confession, this is Feb. 17, 2022. I've watched live Mass on line but going to confession has been impossible, no car. So, if the weather holds I'll be there with bells on, Amen.

[@mad_marc2757]

All my life I've had this question and it has just been answered in this video. Thank's Fr. Mike for letting God use you as an instrument, you might never know how big of a blessing you are for a'lot of lives. God Bless!😁

[@mariao62]

Thank you, Fr. Mike. You help me to have hope in my continuing journey. God is so good.

[@j.d.940]

Just what I needed, thank you Fr. Mike.

[@Denis-fs2ip]

Drago mi je vidjeti poznata imena. Tj. da i nasi prate ovaj kanal.

[@AT-ym8ln]

Thank you Fr Mike, you give me hope and courage . This video came in at the time when I need the most. I pray for you Fr Mike 🙏🙏💕

[@mariahthomas1584]

I was just battling my 12step program and the difference with the Catholic church. I find the church way more merciful and less drastic than that program I am currently working. Thanks for this video💛 right on time!

[@EmiliaTytto]

Thanks Fr. Mike doing these videos, they have helped me a lot in my christian walk! Cant wait to go to my first confession ever and receive the grace i need! I have a protestant background but coming home soon i hope, after couple years of searching ❣️

[@Isabella1497]

Thank you so so much, Fr. Mike. This video was much needed for me this week. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Alan7997]

What a wonderful and insightful video. Thank you and God bless you Fr Mike!

[@manuvithayathil5488]

Thank you Fr. Mike! My friend needed this.. Came into my feed at the right moment. Praise the Lord!

[@5headsarebetterthan1]

Thank you Fr. for talking more about confession. Please be specific about how often we should go to confession and what is a mortal sin as it differs from a venial sin. Untrained Catholics need specifics as well as charity and mercy. And specifically how to examine ones conscience. Thank you Fr. you reach a lot of young Catholics.

[@ggleam88]

I would love a Father Mike book on the body, exercise and connecting it all with God! Imagine!

[@Josiebydarn]

"n our weakness, we need His strength.". Powerful and needed words. May God bless you richly.

[@48marymary71]

God Bless you Father MIke. Love your videos. I also love reading the comments and finding out I am not alone in my struggles. God Bless us all.

[@chris52000]

7:05 That just put a huge smile on my face, thank you so much

[@TF80s]

I needed to hear this all my life. This is exactly how I've always felt after falling into sin and it's made me turn away from the practice of the faith on numerous occasions. I wish more priests taught these lessons in such a down to earth relatable way. God bless.

[@mandericom]

Amen. "In our weakness we need His strength. And in our weakness He gives us His strength. And in that He makes us like Him."

[@staceyspargo5897]

I did not know this. I am 81 and did not know this. Thank you so much! May God be blessing you forever and ever!

[@timofeinahimov5647]

Am I the only one here from Russia? xD Really needed this video, thank you :)

[@ChangesOfTomorrow]

Greetings from Bulgaria! :)

[@timofeinahimov5647]

@@ChangesOfTomorrow hello :)

[@PedroAntonioLea-PlazaPuig]

A Russian Catholic?

[@timofeinahimov5647]

@@PedroAntonioLea-PlazaPuig yeah

[@PedroAntonioLea-PlazaPuig]

@@timofeinahimov5647 You'll be in my prayers

[@NewNoise1]

Father mike thank you. I didn’t know this. I fell off today. But thankfully thanks to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ he picks us up everytime we fall. Honestly if it wasn’t for our lord, it would be over for me. We gotta keep going and we will win. ✊🏻 ✝️

[@antonioborriello5287]

Love ya Fr. Mike! Every video, every outlook on every situation gives me hope. God be with u always!

[@misstropicanna14]

I needed this so SO much in this season of my life. This month, this week, this day, this minute. I'm literally in tears. Thank you Fr Mike. Thank you God for speaking through him and finding me.

[@theresadsouza2467]

Bless you Father for such a blessed way of explaining this point and thank you for all your encouragements and helping us to keep going with our faith.

[@achuguswhereabouts]

I was crying watching this. Thank You Lord for this video.

[@danieladominguez3750]

Thank you so much for this. Came at a perfect time in my life

[@leyblinders3354]

I was needing this!!! Thank u father Mike!! God bless you💙

[@-gina1114]

👍 WOW!!! LOVED this video Father Mike!!! Thank you! and Thank you! Ascension Presents!!!

[@hammerfacejc]

Fr Mike each one of your videos when i watch them they really seem to talk to a direct issue that i am having at that moment, thank you and God Bless.

[@Jesterleaf]

ahhh thank you, I needed to hear this!

[@didiernuncio70]

Exactly what I needed today, thank you Father. May God bless you and Mary keep you

[@williamc8564]

This is what I needed to hear today. Thank you.

[@clarafierro6921]

Great teaching Father Mike! I think with the confession we made ourselves to recognize we sinned

[@amyneu8078]

Thanks for this. I really really needed this.

[@mikemallett64]

Thanks Father Mike! This could be one of the best videos you've made (and that's saying something). I too needed to see this one today. God bless! 😊❤️🙏

[@amyd7221]

Thank you so much for sharing this message… it really helped me!!

[@AnaClaudia-yh5np]

That was for me! Thank you very much, Fr. Mike! God bless you too, enormously!

[@ewadziatkowskaewahesed9910]

You gave me a Hope Father!

[@jerinphilip2063]

Hi Father Mike, your apostolate is such a blessing and work of the Holy Spirit. The Lord provides me the spiritual food ( just what I need for the specific challenge I face for any particular day and moment)...may it be related to discernement, desires, spiritual setbacks and etc etc. The topics are so profound presented in such a cool way! God bless !

[@robinyuan9472]

Thank you Fr. Mike. I needed to hear this today.

[@vineethvgeorge6026]

Thank you father I really needed this.

[@JS-bs9mw]

Father Mike, like so many others, I needed to hear this message today. The message is incredibly timely. Thank you so much!

[@danieldoyle6333]

I feel like father mike always puts out the right vid right at the right time in my life

[@liviasousa7435]

Sou brasileira e estou aprendendo mais sobre a fé ao mesmo tempo que treino o meu "listening". Obrigada, padre! || I'm brazilian and I'm learning more about the faith while training my listening. Thank you, Father! (and forgive my bad english)

[@beam8250]

Thank you for this blessing, Fr. Mike!

[@taniav3283]

This is what needed to hear, I feel so blessed. Thank so much farther Mike. U truly are gods gift. You really helped me today.

[@eviemaria]

I really needed this video--thank you!!

[@mannydefreitas4956]

Thank you Fr. Mike. I really needed this talk both Spiritually as well as emotionally. God is good all the time! He has sent me an important message. 👏

[@markm.5756]

Fr. Mike - this is one of THE BEST VIDEOS you've ever done. You make this so clear and gives us all SO MUCH HOPE. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

[@giovannipagliari1537]

Wow! Amazing explanation Father Mike as usual! Thank you and God bless you in your ministry in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour!🙏🏻

[@sweetcerlin7434]

thank you sooo much,fr. Mike! I was in tears knowing how God love me lavishly :')

[@jboblifts]

man was this video a God moment for me. thank you father

[@AquaMarch22]

Thank you Fr. Mike for clarifying this topic for me. God Bless you and ascension present.

[@amakac5539]

I can’t describe how much I needed this. Sigh. ❤️

[@jcpenny2438]

I needed this so much! Thank you so much, Fr. Mike!

[@averyvoss8918]

Thank you, Fr. Mike. I was almost sobbing by the end of this video. You have a gift for talking about topics that I desperately need to hear at the perfect moments. God bless you!

[@RAG571]

Please continue to make these videos!!

[@emaisosa]

This is exactly what I needed today. Thank you Jesus

[@patrickndjientcheu9587]

Thank you Father Mike for those words of encouragement to stay on the course of holiness whatever setbacks we have.

[@maryhoover7860]

Thank you for your inspiring words Father Mike. I needed this today.

[@MissAthenaGirl]

This is my daily struggle, so thank you!