Failure Is Not Finalಮಾದರಿ

How to gain victory over spiritual failure (1)

How do I overcome failure, especially spiritual failure? Look at the following guidelines.

1. Failure to Trust God. Failure often comes when we rely on our strength instead of God’s power. Seek God and trust in His plans, especially when they don’t align with yours. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

2. Failure caused by fear. Fear of failure or opposition can paralyze us and prevent success. The fact that God is almighty and has all the power, wisdom, and knowledge must be ingrained in every facet of our lives. The way to victory over the fear of failure is to hide ourselves in the character and competence of God. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up” (Proverbs 24:16).

3. Failure to Persevere. Many people give up too soon and miss many opportunities and blessings. This is especially true for persevering in prayer. Endure and press on, trusting in God’s timing and wisdom: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart (Luke 18:1; Luke 11:5-10).

4. Failure Through Disobedience: Sin and disobedience to God’s commands often result in failure. When you fail or get no answers to your prayers, it is normally best to stop and ask the Lord if there is some form of disobedience or sin in your heart. Only after you have done that can you pray about the other aspects related to the issue in front of you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

5. Failure in Relationships: Unforgiveness (unwillingness to forgive or to ask for forgiveness), pride, being wise in your own eyes, looking down on others, a critical spirit, jealousy, envy and self-pity can lead to broken relationships. Seek forgiveness at all costs. Humble yourself. Humility normally breaks barriers between people that cannot be broken in any other way. Be reconciled because, in Jesus, you have been reconciled with the Father. “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).