Failure. We all experience it. The very best, the most together believer, the one who has walked with God for many years, they have all failed. Like Peter, denying the Lord three times. Like David, committing adultery and murder. Like Abraham, twice passing his wife off to Pharaoh as his sister in order to save his own skin. Of course there are all kinds of seemingly lesser failures but they all hurt. And sometimes our failures hurt other people.
We don’t want to fail. We try not to fail. And sometimes we fail even when we think we are doing the right thing. And at times we find ourselves doing exactly what we despise. Paul says in Romans 7:19 that the good he wanted to do he didn’t do, but practiced the very evil he did not wish. Sounds a little schizophrenic and that’s exactly how you feel when caught in that web.
In many messages I’ve given, and with great relief, I’ve taught that “God is the God of failures.” Which means all of us. You, me, everyone. So what do we do when we fail? We need to pray and ask God to forgive us and know He absolutely will (1 John 1:9). And if you have hurt someone else in your failure you need to ask forgiveness of them. And if someone has failed you, forgive them as you would like to be forgiven.
Finally, I recommit my life to the Lord, and often say something like, “Lord, for better or for worse, my life is Yours. I ask for your mercy” I believe the Lord is pleased when we confess our failures, admit we’ve messed up, becoming completely honest. It’s painful to experience failure and we feel lousy. I think Jesus had this in mind when he said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).
Prayer Focus This Week:
- From Mary Hurlbut: I’ve been hired by Grace Classical Christian Academy in Laguna Niguel to teach art to the Kindergarten through 8th grade students on Thursdays and Fridays. I’ve been given free rein to develop my own curriculum and they are delighted that I plan to use God’s Word as my inspiration. I’m asking for His wisdom, patience, strength and good health.
- The fall launching of many ministries at Little Church, resulting in fruitfulness, growth, and maturity
- Refuge and Impact (junior and senior high), the Children’s ministries
- All the kids heading back to school this week
- Six-year old Avery – serious bladder surgery on Wednesday
- Pray for our nation
Brian and Chanel’s triplets – girls Malia and Zoe (white bows) and a boy, Will.
Magnificent Video – http://www.andiesisle.com/magnificent.html
May the mercy of God flood over your life this week.
Pastor Jay