Monday, May 02, 2011
Failure Pro. I’m a professional. Paul said, “Christ came to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” He didn’t know me. I know more about how to fail than anyone I know. I’m good at it – I’ve done it a lot over my 27 years of life. Don’t even for a moment begin to think I’m on a pity party, either. It’s actually quite the opposite.
I’ve failed in school a time or two...or three. I’ve failed in sports. I’ve failed in relationships. I’ve failed in friendships. I’ve failed as a son. I’ve failed as a brother. I’ve failed as a grandson, a nephew, an uncle, a cousin, and even as a great-grandson.
The thing in my life that I have devoted myself to is also something I have tasted failure in – ministry. I’ve failed as a preacher/speaker. I’ve failed as a leader. I’ve failed as a follower. I’ve failed as a pastor and youth pastor. I’ve failed as a volunteer. I’ve failed as an advocate. I’ve failed as a counselor.
If there’s any area of my life that I haven’t experienced failure in I’m not aware of it. I know what failure feels like, because I’ve lived it from time to time. I am, by all accounts and definitions of the word, a failure. But He loves me anyway.
Did you see that? Did you see how quickly the issue turns around? I’m a failure. I’ve messed up so many times it’s not even funny anymore. I don’t deserve Him, let alone to know Him. But He loves me anyway.
And not only does He love me – He loves me enough to die for me. He loves me enough to suffer the most agonizing moments of anyone in the history of the world. He loves me enough to allow Himself to be temporarily separated from the Father He’s been One with for all eternity past. He loves me enough to submit to abuse at the hands of the men He created. He loves me enough to allow Himself to be buried in the ground He spoke into being. He loves me enough to get back up after 3 days there. He loves me anyway.
That’s why I can admit my failure – because the One who’s opinion counts the most has already accepted me! You see, this isn’t a pity party at all – it’s a “glory in grace party!” God loves me, and He knows me better than anyone.
So today, take a moment and realize that you may have hidden your past (or present) mistakes from everyone on earth. You may have everyone thinking you’ve got it all together. But God knows you best. And the great news is, if you’ll place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ by asking Him to forgive your sins and be your Savior and Lord, believing He died, was buried, and was resurrected for you, God will accept you. He already knows your failures. But He loves you anyway. And that, my friends, is reason enough to have a smile on your face on this dreary Monday morning.
(If you would like to know more about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please email pastorblakeman@yahoo.com for more information and to chat. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!)
PS: If you’d like to donate to the tornado relief efforts one suggested group is the American Red Cross. I’ve seen first-hand that these folks will provide shelter and clothing to people who have lost homes in these types of situations. Visit http://www.redcross.org and click the link at the top of the page, “DONATE FUNDS.”
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
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:D thank you for this!!
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