Dealing with Failure (2) Problems Christians Face

We all face failures – Some bigger than others Some material failure Or 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 failure Judas 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 enduring 2 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 55:11 He can and will always accomplish what He intends He knows and understands – Psalm 44:21, “He knows the secrets of the heart.” Psalm 139:1-4 Does NOT mean He overlooks sin!

God is not the source of failure He wants you to succeed, overcome 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4 1 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 another Mark 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