Failure revisited

It is easy to think that in times of failure God is not with you. But that is not so.

The Apostle Paul lists a number of things in Romans 8: 38, 39 reminding us that nothing we experience in life will separate us from the love of God. Failure does not mean that all hope is lost. God is always present with us even in the bad times.

Failure reminds us to look beyond this life. For those who must live with failure, God guarantees a new order of things. A life without pain, tears or regrets.

God “will wipe every tear from your eyes. There will be no more … mourning or crying or pain.” (Revelations 21:4)

Failure reminds us of our mortality. We are frail creatures. We are dust (Genesis 3: 14), and grass (Isaiah 40: 6-8). Disappointment, discouragement and pain accompany every human being. But in the midst of pain and hurt, be aware that God loves you; that He is present in your suffering and He promises that a day is coming that includes no failure.

Peter failed but was restored by God and became God’s mouthpiece at Pentecost!

Moses committed murder as he tried to deliver Israel in his own strength. Still, in the end, he was God’s man for the job.

So continue with earnestness to serve the Lord in every circumstance in life including failure. There may be rougher weather ahead of you but be confident of this fact — the promise of the Lord Jesus Christ: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” even in times of defeat, despair and failures. Have a blessed week!

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Editor’s note: The Rev. Dr. Scott Stewart is the pastor of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church and Brightwater Methodist Church. The opinions expressed are those of the writer. He can be contacted at revjstewart@gmail.com or 479-659-9519.