The Soul Of A Worship LeaderSample

Finding the Will of God in the Failure

Whether we forget a lyric, miss a note, experience the loss of battery power and/or something goes haywire, it can be seen as something more than what meets the eye. However, when failure is beyond our control, where in the Bible does it ever say that it’s a sin or a reason to blame others and/or ourselves? How we respond to failure is revealed in our words, actions and thoughts.

What we do by our actions may result in regret; what we do by our faith may result in victory. In any case, here’s the bigger picture: God has called you to be victorious in Christ and not to be defeated by man, nor defeated by self-doubt.

When we play the “what-if game,” and anticipate thoughts of failure, it can most definitely cloud our vision. We fear the unknown, we fear the outcome and thus we fear taking the next step.

Here’s the truth: if you really believe God, and know He’s called you to something greater, then your feelings of fear are not only valid, they indicate that you are passionate about what you’re doing. Right? Otherwise, you wouldn’t care, and your calling would only be an idea and not a burning mission in your heart.

It is so tiresome to hear in the church or by friends: if you have thoughts of fear, or you are unhappy, or under confident in who you are – then there must be sin going on. Ok, where is that philosophy in the Bible anyway?

That’s the episode where Job’s friends came to him and tried to justify why he’s in a bad place. They tried to explain away his fear and circumstance. Some friends they were. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And THAT’s the point, you are NOT alone.

So how do we regain our confidence in Christ? Let’s look at two scenarios from the Bible: Peter taking a walk and Peter taking a swim.

In Matthew 14:22, Jesus encouraged Peter to walk on the water. As you remember, he takes a few steps, hesitates, panics and falls through the waves. Jesus reaches down, rescues Peter and restores him. The concept of the story is not so much about Peter’s fall as it was in Jesus’ actions to demonstrate compassion and redemption.

Earthly life is too short; life in Christ is too big. Squabbling and nitpicking over other peoples’ faults and/or minor details is a non-eternal issue. The same is true in blaming ourselves; it’s simply not important.

In John 21 Peter and the disciples were fishing. Jesus calls to them to cast their nets on the other side. When Peter realized it was the Lord, he jumped in the water. Here we can see two perspectives.

On the one hand, Peter could have been embarrassed and/or displeased with himself in not catching fish in his own way. On the other hand, he could have been overcome with joy that the issue no longer mattered. I believe what Peter experienced was found on the other hand.

Peter exclaims: “It is The Lord!” He didn’t hide, he jumped in the water and swam to Jesus. Why? He knew the Lord was there to receive him, not to reject him. He probably remembered the previous lesson in falling through the water.

When you read the rest of the story, Jesus not only receives Peter gladly, but also esteems him. Yes, he held him accountable, but he did not hold him in contempt.

Biblical Points:

• God has called you to do good things. Romans 8:28

• God has blessed you with every spiritual blessing. Ephesians 1

• God is committed in completing His work in you. Philippians 1:6

• You are not finished yet. Ephesians 2:10

What is God’s will for you? It’s not found in your next job title, church, house, loved one, ministry, music gear or other thing.

His will is found in His word as it becomes life to your body.

Here are two perspectives we see in the Word that concerns God’s will for you: First, Romans 12:1-2, says to transform your mind and give your body to God as a living sacrifice. Second, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, says to be sexually pure. We remain in the Father’s will, connected to the Vine of Jesus John 15:5, and in step with the Holy Spirit. Galatians 6:8-9 We can take delight in trusting in His ways. The only true fear is being without the Lord as our bodies and souls would perish. Matthew 10:28

Winston Churchill said: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

What we learn about Peter, besides his shortcomings, is seeing ourselves in his shoes. We are much the same. Yet, we need to seize the opportunity. What we learn about Jesus is gaining an understanding of his compassion, patience and encouragement that gives us joy, which is also our strength.

When we learn how to embrace our weaknesses and rely on Christ, we experience his beauty and transformation, causing us to walk in faith. As God finds us, we are accepted into His mercy and called to seize great opportunities. He alone is our source and the way to have victory over failure.

What does this mean for you and me? It’s time to get up and learn how to walk on water all over again. Wherever He has called you, He will lead you there. Even if you are miles away, you’re closer than what you realize. He’s with you – both on the water and in the boat.