Wednesday, October 26, 2022
How you respond to failure matters, because it shows what you really believe about God and what he says about you.
Ironically most of us are quick to point out that we’re not perfect, while at the same time feeling somewhat uncomfortable talking about our failures. And that gets even more difficult if our failures point to sin in our life. Sin is a big word, but it means to have missed the mark. We all sin. We all miss the mark. We all fail. But then what?
Proverbs 24:16 says, “The godly may trip seven times, but they get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.” So what does it look like to get up again:
- When you sin, remind yourself, this is not who I am. When you put your faith in Jesus, he made you a new creation and calls you loved and accepted. Your sin doesn’t make you further away from him, it can actually be a humbling and necessary reminder of our deep need for him. And an important fact that he is God and we are not. Don't stop with this one though, keep going to #2.
- Tell God what happened – talk it through with him. Every detail. Confess where you were wrong, tell him where you are hurt. He wants to know and is listening.
- Renew your mind with his words in Scripture, instead of your own words. Our own self talk can be pretty negative and prideful, leading us away from what will help. God’s words, while convicting, are not condemning. They lead us towards life. God is life-giving and always knows what’s best for you.
- With humility, do the next right thing – if it’s apologize, do it; if it’s share how you’re feeling, do that. If it’s set healthy boundaries for yourself, set them.
Through that Proverb and these practices, God is reminding us that he knows we're going to fail, we aren’t going to get it right, but when we do, he gives us every opportunity to turn to him and trust his ways.
For Parents:
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