Theme: A Biblical Example | Peter
Weekend Music links on iTunes: All Over the World - Matt Redman, God Is With Us - Michael Olson, Oh You Bring - Hillsong, Before the Throne - Jesus Culture
Read: Romans 8:28; James 1:4
Think: On Sunday, Pastor Ben talked about failures. To many people the word “failure” is the modern day F-word. It brings up bad memories and reminders that somebody convinced you that, at some point, you were not good enough.
The incredible thing about God is that he turns failure into beauty and the F-word does not get the last laugh. God transforms failures into windows of opportunities to grow and learn but only if you choose to move one step ahead of the lingering doubt and ill confidence that failure breeds.
A great example of this is the hall of fame basketball star Michael Jordan. Many would agree that he was the best basketball player ever to step onto a court and his resume would back up that bold statement. Six time NBA champion, five-time MVP, defensive player of the year, rookie of the year, Olympic gold medalist and many more.
Did you know that Michael Jordan was cut his sophomore year of high school from the varsity basketball team? Unbelievable! At this point, Jordan could have gone one of two ways. First- he could’ve believed that his basketball days were over and it was time to move on or second- he could learn from his mistakes, improve as a player and work hard for next year’s try-outs.
Fortunately, he chose the ladder. He made a list of all the improvements that were necessary, sought wisdom from other players and coaches and had a determination that couldn’t be stopped by his memories of failure.
In the same way, God does not want us to hold on to our failures but instead learn from them and move on! Failures are only failures if you let them stay that way but failures can also be the starting point of maturity and growth. You choose.
Do: Think back on a time where you “failed.” Write down what it was? When it was? Then pray and ask God though-out the week on how this could be a learning opportunity. Maybe God was teaching you about patience? Forgiveness? Mercy? Love?
Pray: God, give me the strength to lean on you for the times I fail. Help me not to allow failure to have the last word but instead joy, peace, and comfort because I know you have plans to prosper me! Help me to be a lifetime learner! Amen
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.