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Learn how to deal with failures - whether material or spiritual, and find inspiration from biblical figures like Paul and David. Discover strategies to move past failures and embrace growth, all while staying true to your faith.
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Dealing withFailure (2) Problems Christians Face
We all face failures – Some bigger than othersSome material failureOr spiritual failures (sin) • We all have to deal with our failures – but HOW? • This is something that should set us apart from the world
Previously • Think about why you failed – examination • Let God define failure and success • Repent if needed (if it is sinful failure) – make up your mind! • Realize that failure is a part of life – a tool of Satan. The difference – how we deal with it • Admit your failures • Pray about it
Don’t let failure define you • A difference between failing and being a failureJudas was a failure, while Peter failed • Philippians 3:4-7, Paul’s past – he left it behind • 3:13-15, forgetting what is behind, and reaching forward, he pressed toward the goal
Don’t let failure define you • Accept the consequences of failures (past) • One of our challenges – we want to avoid consequences. But they are there (and often difficult to overcome) • 1 Corinthians 15:10, Accept them and who you are. Paul paid a high price (Acts 9:15-16) • So did David! But he moved on.
Don’t let failure define you • Make up your mind that you are going to do better • Don’t let fear of failure keep you from trying. • To do nothing is to guarantee you will not fail!BUT isn’t that really failure? Matthew 25:24-26, the wicked and lazy, one talent servant
Don’t let failure define you • Don’t let failures claim your soul. That is the quest of Satan. • 1 Peter 1:6-7, while your genuine faith is tested, let it be to praise, honor and glory
NEVER give up! • It is easy to surrender and quit. • That is what Judas did! • Luke 9:1-5, If you are not received, shake off the dust and move on • Hebrews 12:1-2, put off the weights and sin that entraps us • Galatians 6:9-10, do not grow weary in doing good • To give up is to accept defeat and failures as the end all!
Let it make you better • A mindset to help you deal with your past • LEARN from your failures. • Sometimes failure can be a good thing- it can cause us to wake up (like the prodigal son) and return with a better state of mind. • Use consequences and struggles to overcome to resolve to never go back there!
Let it make you better • Paul remembered his past, but he didn’t dwell on it and used that to keep him going and enduring2 Corinthians 12:7-10, in weakness I am made strong • James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5, the testing of your faith produces patience, character and hope
Let it make you better • Hebrews 12:5-11, chastening doesn’t feel good, but it can make you better! • Get to work (be busy) 1 Corinthians 15:58
God is not the source of failure • He doesn’t fail! Matthew 19:26 (Luke 1:37), Isaiah 55:11He can and will always accomplish what He intends • He knows and understands – Psalm 44:21, “He knows the secrets of the heart.” Psalm 139:1-4Does NOT mean He overlooks sin!
God is not the source of failure • He wants you to succeed, overcome 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:41 Corinthians 10:13 • He waits for you to come back, cf. Luke 15:20; Hebrews 13:5-6, I will never leave you not forsake you • Suggestion: READ God’s word!
Other side of failure • When someone else has failed. • Matthew 18:15-16 • Hebrews 12:12-13, strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees • Galatians 6:1, seek to restore them in a spirit of gentleness • Pray for them!
Other side of failure • When someone else has failed. • 1 Peter 3:8-9, be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous,… • Colossians 3:12-13, includes forgiving one anotherMark 11:25-26
Other side of failure • When someone else has failed. • DON’T define them by their failures. • What if Jesus had done that with His apostles after the resurrection? • Define others by HOW they are living, not a singular event or their former conduct!
Our struggles are very real • It is not easy to overcome a mindset of failure • BUT YOU CAN! • History is filled with examples of those who overcame • So can you!
How are you dealing with failure? Problems Christians Face