What do we do
when we’ve failed, whether it’s through our own doing, or maybe through
circumstances caused by another’s actions?
As author, Renee
Swope, points out, Jesus knew his disciple Peter would fail him. But Jesus saw
something Peter probably didn’t know about himself—Jesus saw Peter’s faith and
his potential. Jesus saw not only who Peter was, but who Peter would become.
Jesus sees the
same in us. He knows we’re going to fail at times. He also knows the times we
fail are opportunities for growth, in our faith, and in who we are becoming.
So, what can we
do when we’ve failed? We can ask Him to help us get back up on our feet, to
show us what we need learn, and how we can move forward.
Sometimes I
wonder if God sees me as a child who has to learn the lesson for myself. His
Word tells me right from wrong, but I do what's wrong anyway. Then I have to face the
consequences of my actions, and learn my lesson the hard way. Much like a young
child who doesn’t believe when told the stove is hot, but who touches it
anyway. I have to find out for myself.
Satan
likes our stubbornness and when we fail. He condemns us and wants us constantly feeling guilty.
Like rubbing salt in a wound, he reminds us of our failures, and wants us to
believe that we can do no better.
But that’s a lie.
Just as Jesus saw Peter’s potential, He sees ours.
Jesus loves us so
much—He’ll meet us where we are. But He loves us too much to leave us there. He
convicts us of our sin, and shows us the way out. He knows our heart and
blesses us with His forgiveness.
When we fail, do
we forgive ourselves or do we carry the guilt and shame around like baggage?
When God forgives, He chooses to remember our sins no more. (Jeremiah 31:34)
When God forgives us, we need to forgive ourselves. If that’s something we
struggle with, we need to ask Him for help. Forgiveness draws us closer to God,
and allows us to move forward.
There is a song I
want to leave you with today. We sang it in worship service this past weekend
and these lyrics have stayed with me.
“So take me as
You find me, All my fears and failures, Fill my life again.” (Mighty to Save, written by
Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding, performed by Hillsong)
In Christ,
Laura
"Jesus loves us so much—He’ll meet us where we are. But He loves us too much to leave us there."
ReplyDeleteI think we forget the fact {at least I do} that He loves us too much to leave us where we are... I loved this chapter's explanation about the difference between conviction and condemnation - what a great picture of the relationship that our God wants to have with us!
Reading A Confident Heart has helped me realize that when I struggle with self-doubt and insecurity, I am not alone. I feel normal, loved, accepted, and approved by a mighty God. I feel empowered and reminded that God truly does have a plan. The twists and turns of Renee's life gently remind me that all of our lives have highs and lows and moments of uncertainty; yet God longs for all of us to find our confidence in Him.
ReplyDelete