Extended Victory预览

Our failure does not change our value

First read: Psalm 130:4, Daniel 9:8-9 and Matthew 26:28.

Success is important in our society. If we cannot meet the expectations placed on us, we quickly feel like failures or have the feeling that we are not worth anything. 

But no matter how much we ourselves or our environment define ourselves by our performance: God doesn't think that way. He knows that we fail. He knows every one of our failures and still loves us more than anything. Our failure is not a reason for Him to withdraw His love from us. Instead, he gives us abundant gifts. But God also knows that we sometimes struggle and fight and need encouragement. Not only is He always by our side, but He also sends people to lift us up when we are not doing well. For example, David's best friend Jonathan came to him and encouraged him not to give up, but to trust in God's help (1 Sam 23:16). 

But God doesn't just send people to help us in our struggles. He helps us in very different ways. For example, by showing us the solution to our dilemma through the Holy Spirit. Or by helping us to take a different perspective so we can see the possibilities of our situation and not just see the challenges. Our failures also hold opportunities: for example, we can practice strategies to navigate reasonably safely through such situations without taking our eyes off God. 

The most visible sign of how valuable we are in God's eyes, however, is what He has done for us. By taking the cross and dying for our sins, Jesus has given everything for us. We are spotless in His eyes because we have been cleansed by His sacrifice and blood.

Prayer, Get Free and Next Step: In what area do you feel you are failing and therefore worth less? Ask Jesus to show you how He sees you.