The True Meaning of Failure

Inevitably the fog of failure descends upon all those keen enough to make attempts.

Do you look back at life's disappointments and then regret? 

You have enjoyed major accomplishments and also despaired significant losses?

When Jesus began building His team of disciples, He didn't look for those who appeared to have no problems, but for those people who had every reason to QUIT and refused to do so.

Jesus ... stood by the Sea of Galilee, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land ... He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." But Simon answered ... "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:1-10 NKJV).

Jesus saw an empty boat and tired fishermen. Even though they had fished all night, failure was all they netted.

Failure captures the attention of Jesus. Jesus noticed that they were weary and empty, yet they were already washing their nets.

Jesus saw Kingdom qualities within these frustrated fishermen. 

No intent of quitting, only good decisions to make the most of their time by attending to their nets - soon to be used afresh.

Surely they felt empty, ripped and snagged? They had every reason to feel discouraged. Nevertheless their actions indicated their hearts - to fish yet again.

These are the very kind of men Jesus seeks out, those He could trust with His Kingdom. 

God cannot use us if we quit. The fishermen, knew failure but did not know quitting.

The discouraged and the failing still have God's attention. 

Failure means YOU HAVE JESUS' attention. He is preparing and placing you to show you favor. Just remember - soon their nets couldn't contain the blessings, their boats were sinking!

Obedience that contradicts failure invites blessing.

Emptiness + faithful hearts = a full future.

How BIG is the LORD JESUS? He is greater than all your problems and loves you beyond all failure.#

Man measures the hands but God weighs the heart.

Today's Soul Snippet:

The proud will never find God's ways.

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#Reproduced and edited by SoulSupply, with kind permission from the author Patricia Carol Lang.