Monday 21 January 2013

Failure - don't worry


Do you feel a failure?

As Christians we all fail at some point. 

Mark 14:53-54 (NIV)
They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. [54] Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.

Mark 14:66-72 (NIV)
While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. [67] When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said. [68] But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway. [69] When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." [70] Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." [71] He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about." [72] Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.

Failure can be devastating in our lives.

Failed marriage
Failed business
Failed exam
Failed dream

The world looks down on failures and respects success, wealth etc.

We mustn't as Christians feel that failure be final - there is always something more.

God is the  God of Love, forgiveness and perfect plan for our lives.

One lost battle does not mean that we have lost the war.

Exodus 12:31 - 18:27 the story of God's chosen people - a story of as much failure as success.

2 Samuel 11:1-14 the story of King David.

Mark 14:72 (NIV)
Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.

Peter denies Jesus three times, he is so human and gets things wrong.

Mark 14:30-31 (NIV)
"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today---yes, tonight---before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times." [31] But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.

What greater failure could there be? Peter thought that he could cope with the pressure but simply failed Jesus.

We might think Peter could never recover from this and be useful again.

Jesus never criticised Peter and later spoke to him privately.

We fail for many reasons, but God is gracious, loving and full of compassion to us.

Lives can be turned around ..

2 Corinthians 11 - the example of Paul.

Paul had to be taught not to trust simply in his own strength. 

Failure discloses our weaknesses and helps us understand the need we have for the help of God.

Failure with God is the key to Spiritual growth.

The cross is the ultimate sign of failure.

When we fail - come back to God.

We need to confess our failures.

1 John 1:9 (NIV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

God does not see us how we see ourselves. God does not see failure.

We might need help to move on, good Christian friends who love us and believe in us.

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