Sometimes I feel like such a mess. I wonder what God even wants with me. Have you ever felt that way?
And then God reminds me that ALL His children are a mess in one way or another.
A common theme throughout Scripture is overcoming failure. Abraham passed his wife, Sarah, off as his sister because of fear (Genesis 12 and 20). Lot failed to stand up for what was right and offered his daughters to immoral men (Genesis 18-19). Jacob betrayed his father and stole his brother’s blessing (Genesis 27). Moses struck the rock twice in anger when God commanded him to strike it once (Numbers 20:11). Aaron gave into peer pressure and made a golden calf (Exodus 32).
Miriam had a bout of jealousy and tried to usurp her brother’s God-appointed position (Numbers 12). Jonah hopped on a boat and headed in the opposite direction when God called him to go to Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-3). Samson fell for the whims of a Philistine woman and gave away the secret to his strength (Judges 16). David committed adultery and murder and then tried to cover it up (2 Samuel 11).
You know what’s amazing? Most of these men and women are listed as people of great faith who “conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies” (Hebrews 11:33-34, emphasis added).
We have a great cloud of witnesses who can identify with failure. We are never alone in that regard.
Oh, friend, failure doesn’t have to be fatal or final. During a time of failure, the Enemy will tell you to quit trying, that you’re hopeless, worthless, and powerless to succeed.
Don’t believe him. Reject the lie and replace it with truth. “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NLT). God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Learn from your failure under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit, and then move on. Click & Tweet! Nothing makes the devil madder than a child of God who fails, gets back up, and tries again with the power of God moving him or her forward.
Recognize the lie: I’m such a failure.
Reject the lie: That is not true.
Replace the lie with truth: I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13 nlt).
God, help me to learn from my mistakes and move on. Help me not to get stuck in the mire of my mistakes or the senselessness of my sin, or the remorse of my regret, but to move forward with the reassurance of Your complete forgiveness, mercy, and grace. I don’t deserve it. I thank You for it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What do you think God would say to you when you tell yourself “I’m a failure”? Leave a comment and let’s compare notes.
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Today’s devotion was adapted from Sharon’s book Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence.
Comments 12
Love the article. I needed to read this morning. There are times I felt like giving up or trying to do things without listening to God.
Worring about how I’m going to make it financially. But with this article, it reminded me God is awesome God. He will never leave or forsake you. You the have the strength .
Thank you so much for this life changing and soothing message. I had been battling with my graduate learner-ship wondering if I am a failure at my workplace. Jehovah loved me first and allowed me this chance to believe in Him. Charity you are more than a conqueror. Jehovah has made you stronger by giving strength to overcome the blocks in your life. I pray to God that l will be able to influence the women l come across everyday of my life that Jehovah is the one whom we should trust (Philippians 4:13).
I’m not sure…. He would tell me I’m not, but I’d have to believe that!
In my heart and in my mind I can see all the things I am, all the things God wants me to be…. but I’m stuck, I literally don’t know how to get there.
I feel lost, empty! I’m good, focused, connected to myself and God when it’s just me, but when my husband is home, it’s gone. Our marriage is dead, I gave up trying because it leaves me feeling empty and then angry!
Author
Hi Eileen. I know what it feels like to feel stuck. I think you would really find some answers in the book, Take HOld of the Faith You Long For. It’s for all of us when we feel stuck. If I was with you, I’d give you a big hug!
God would say to me-That’s not true Deb. I don’t make failures!
I think God would remind me I am fearfully and wonderfully made. He would also tell me that we see through a dark glass but one day will see clearly and He would tell me to keep looking up. He would say that it is in our difficult situations that He shines through with a glorious light that is our testimony to others of His goodness.
I often feel like a failure because I have an alcoholic husband who has cheated on me at least five times. I don’t believe he is cheating on me anymore but he continues to drink and I’m afraid he will kill himself this way. He is often sick to his stomach because of it and there’s nothing I can do to help him. I’m trying to give it all to God but I don’t feel he hears me.
yes, Sharon. Numerous times, I felt like a mess, a failure and always wondering why I was brought into this world, but…. you know what? He nudges me and I know that HE sees deep within my heart that my utmost DESIRE is to hunger and thirst for HIM, to be like HIM and this inspires me all the more, to make HIM smile.
Thank YOU, CHRIST JESUS, OUR LORD!!
Amen!!! Am awesome wake up truth..l also feel stuck ..looking after and doing so much for a disabled spouse…
Also feel like giving up at times.but the Holy Spirit nudges and says..my grace is sufiencent for you..
Thank Sharon for uplifting and timeous articles..
God Bless your ministry.
First – I needed this today.
Second, My sweet God would gently remind me that I am wonderfully created by Him. He knew when he designed me what my struggles would be and how I would thrive. It would remind me of Phil 4:8 and tell me to focus on what I know I do well and the competencies and attributes that are good in me. He would assure me that I am loved, I am enough.
I love your writing. You have so many insightful things to share. I just wanted to say that God told Moses to speak to the rock in this case, not to strike it at all (Numbers 20:8).
Thank you for this.
I believe God would tell me that my worth rests safely with him and can never be taken away. I would say “But Lord, I am chronically ill, how can I ever be of use to you?” He would say that His grace is sufficient for me.
It’s hard for me to believe, but I’m trying.