Facing Failure

Thursday November 14, 2024

There is a desire in each one of us to succeed, to win, to excel, yet often when we have been asked to do something, we allow thoughts of failure to overcome us before we even start. The fear of failure terrifies us and takes away our hope.

We risk failure when we set our goals too high. A sense of inadequacy follows, and we find ourselves filled with shame and embarrassment when we fail to accomplish the impossible goal we set. God created us and is aware of each of our limitations. His expectation is that we use the gifts we have been given and, with His help and guidance, do the best that we can in each circumstance we encounter. Trying to be what God never intended us to be is a sure recipe for failure.

This I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every Morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23 NIV)

Another kind of failure we face is the failure that comes from sin. We settle for less than we could be or have. We wallow in resentments. We hold grudges. We cling to unhealthy ways of living. We live according to our own human plans instead of God’s good, pleasing, and perfect plan. We often embrace violence instead of peace, self-centeredness instead of caring, hatred instead of love, despair instead of hope.

The power of the Holy Spirit has made me free from the power of sin and death. This power is mine because I belong to Christ Jesus. We thank God for the power Christ has given us. He leads us and makes us win in everything. (Romans 8:2, 2 Corinthians 2:14a NLV)

When we choose to live God’s way rather than our own way, we will no longer set ourselves up for failure. We will have the satisfying experience of peace in our hearts. As we submit to God, He will direct us in the way we are to go, and we will accomplish those things He has planned in advance for us to do.

Prayer: Loving God, Forgive me for the times my sin has caused me to live in failure. Help me to live in Your plan for my life, doing those things You have planned for me to do. Help me to commit myself to instruction and to listen carefully to Your words of knowledge. Help me to choose to do those things You have planned for me to do. Amen

Video Encouragement and Prayer

Facing Failure

Audio for Facing Failure

Recent Meditations

A BRIGHT NEW WAY OF LIFE

JOURNEYING WITH GOD

GROWING IN MATURITY

OLD GROWTH GOODNESS

ANGER

Giving Hope