“Don’t
keep going over old history…be present.”
Isa 43:18 TM
Although it’s true that we all fail, here’s something worth
remembering: You can fail successfully. How? By learning from
your failures and growing stronger and wiser through them. Surrendering your
future to your past just means you drown in remorse and hopelessness.
But if
you practice “failing forward,” you can experience future success. So acknowledge
your failings, see yourself cleansed by the blood of Jesus, let go of your
disappointment in yourself, and get up and try again.
At one point in Elijah’s life, he got so depressed that he
prayed he might die: “‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am
no better than my ancestors’” (1Ki 19:4 NIV). Later when he was strengthened by
God’s grace, he emerged from his depression a new man with a new mission in
life (See vv. 15-16 NIV).
After he’d denied Christ openly, Peter was forgiven.
Despite his weakness he was restored, and became the apostle who would
“strengthen his fellow apostles” and build the New Testament Church (See Lk
22:31-32). It’s not a matter of how badly or how often you’ve
failed—it’s a matter of what God can make you when you accept His grace, get up
again, and allow Him to empower you to do better.
Peter is proof that God takes us when we are weak, and
speaks and acts through us in ways that bring glory to Him alone! (See 1Co
1:28). Will God sometimes correct you? Yes, He’s a good parent, but He won’t
discard you.
So the word for you today is—you can start again.
Source: Maxwell, John C. Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.(Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2010). 230-231.
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