“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."—Romans 5:3-5
Yep, you've done it again. You've failed. At least you feel that way. And if you're like most men, you spend a lot of time privately shaming yourself about this failure, whether it's your fault or not. And you know the right thing to do, get back up on the horse you fell off and do it again. But in the quietness of your mind, you hear the self-talk of regret, defeat, and disappointment—and the inevitable depression that goes with it. Especially during this season when it feels the whole world is against us.
For a moment, let's reference all the blessings in the scripture today that come from momentary failure. "Endurance" that will help you build strength and spiritual muscle. "Character" that increases mental and moral strength for future challenges. And "hope" that produces an expectation for something new and better.
Perhaps part of the problem is focusing on invalidating thoughts and feelings and not the opportunity in the failure? And this is why Paul says, "rejoice in your sufferings."
Brother, you've got a lot to look forward to today. Don't listen to the negative self-talk; hear the truth, "God loves you." And so do I!
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I am learning that I need to talk to my kids more about God. They have been asking many questions about why this virus is so bad.
Failures … first for us men is to recognize our failures. Sometimes we ignore or pass off our failure as something else or pass blame. God recognizes we will fail and in all that still loves us and is here for us.
Just because you confess and are forgiven doesn’t mean you escape consequences.
I’ve know for a long-time, but I keep needing to be reminded that the devil prowls around me like a lion, waiting to devour me, and frustrate my soul. I give him way too many openings. I also know that sin’s desire is to master me and I let sin in–the same sins I’ve struggled with for 3/4 of my life–far too easily. 1 Peter 5:8 and Genesis 4:7. Praise be to God that he is bigger than all my shortcomings, and the enticements of the evil one!
I do find myself dwelling on failures. I need to give it up to God and move on.
I have not been, for the first decade or so of my relationship with my wife (and kids), slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to anger. I am working on it, but realizing that since this has been going on for years, I can’t correct it overnight, but I am more conscious of it and trying to lean into God’s Word more than simply responding to the immediate situation in front of me.
That my failure doesn’t define who I am, but it will help me to be stronger in the future.
When I fail I like to remind myself that all Breakthroughs come with break with most times a failing forward. Failing is a part of life we can not avoid. It can be an opportunity to turn to God and grow.
Lesson from recent failures- I can’t do it all… todays topic was a great reminder to continually pray for discernment and aligning my actions/commitments to the priorities God wants in my life
I’ve learned in my recent short comings and failures that I am truly blessed and should not doubt the plan that God has for me in the future.
God is a good father and He never abandons me. When I do miss the mark, He is always still waiting for me with redemption and love.
Time management.
God can save us, use us and redefine us in spite of our checkered past
To trust in God more and pray through my fears and my failures and know that God has my back no matter what.
It’s probably too simple, but the realization that I can’t do “it” alone has been a needed wake up call.
I learned that God is always gracious and I ought to always stay humble.
I need to trust God more in my everyday life. I find it too easy to not rely on God for “my” decisions.
I realize that I can’t be all things to all people.
Rejoice in your suffering ? I have not always done that – on my own. But I am learning not to fear failure and treat that as an opportunity for growth and improvement as I lean more into GOD and his will, and not my ways.
Lust of the flesh
Procrastination… The Wife’s Bday was today. We don’t have children so we spoil ourselves when we shop, but last night on my way home from work(11pm) I decided I needed to get her balloons and dress up her desk to surprise her, 2 hours later, balloons and treats in hand I finally get home…. the surprise was blah… even looked thrown together… I felt bad cuz it could have been great! Because she deserves great!… I need to open my eyes to my household to not forget her while looking outward
Failure is only failure if you don’t 1- take responsibility for it, 2- learn from it and 3- correct it.
If you do those three things failure turns to opportunity and education.
I need to keep getting back up and trying again. Maybe in a different way
Keeping my mind in the right place. Some days it can feel impossible
Our failures don’t have to shape us as men. Learning to rely on God to shapes us by learning from our failures is what’s we should be asking for Him. This is my plea.
Not spending intimate time with God has led to frustration in every aspect of my life. This led to having a short fuse with my family and not being content with what God has provided.
Think before I just react. Giving the Holy Ghost time to guide me.
I’m beginning to understand that failure is apart of the process of victory . I must continue forward through my failures to create habits of success in my life.
I’m learning that shame is a lie designed by Satan to discourage me from getting any work done for the Lord. I’m not perfect and I will make mistakes but God already knows that and loves me anyway.
I can’t change the past but I can drink the pain away . . . HA, I’m kidding. I don’t drink lol
Just continued lessons on how to speak to my wife through my frustration. I can’t continue to speak harshly to her and expect no consequences. I need to love her through my frustration. I need to be honest and transparent about how I am feeling without using hurtful words or tone with her.
It’s been just over 3 years since we closed the doors of Rise Fitness and it feels like a life time ago. Looking back I can absolutely see God’s hand in mercy, grace and provision through out the time that we owned the business but when we were in the middle of it and about I year after I felt like such a failure in so many different areas and to so many different people. It’s take time, maturity, and inviting God into some of those areas to see how he was preparing me for the things he has for me now. Now when I look back at that “Failure” i don’t see it that way and I’m thankful for what God did to me through it and has continued to reveal to me the things he was showing me then.
Through my failures, I have learned that I am not in control, except for my attitude. I have learned that it is okay to admit that I don’t know it all…that I must become a better listener.
I must remember that failure to me is like getting a flat tire on my bike mid-ride. I change the tire and keep going. I don’t pick up my bike and go all the way home to start over.
get up every time you fail never give up and keep fighting for Jesus is in your corner cheering you on
I have learned that I need to control my pride, as it goes right before the fall. I need to humble myself before God and know that he and only he is in control of my life.
Never, ever, again go on mission alone!!! I heard the Lord call me to be a missionary to Northern Canada 3 years ago. My biggest mistake….going it alone. Never again. I have connected with a band of brothers across Canada…so going forward…we go together!!!!
God humbles me every day. The lesson I learn from my failures is humility. Most of my failure comes from pride and arrogance.
The lesson I learn from my failures is humility. God humbles me every day. Most of my failure comes from pride and arrogance.
So the first day i wasn’t sure how this was going to work, and today i understand that when we follow the examples of Paul and trust God he will never let us down. So today i would like to boldly express my LOVE and TRUST in you Father and ask that you would remove my past thoughts and today’s worries and turn them int your glory in Jesus name Amen…. I feel like shouting right now Hallelujah , Thank you Jesus…..Praise your Holy Name…..
Trusting is key to deliverance.
My failure to seek out my own well being over others. Lord God in heaven thank you for my wife and children and all that you have let me manage. Everything is yours including my life. Help me to live out my life with eternity in mind in your glorious kingdom. In Jesus name. Amen.
Jason well said .. Amen..
My temper gets me into more trouble. I especially find that I am lashing out at my wife. She’s the closest to me and knows me better than anyone else. I am praying for God to help me not to lash out but to love her more deepley and overlook the petty things.
Rest in the Grace of Jesus! He is my strength.
Isolation is not a good thing.
The failure does not define me. The way I pick myself up and share it and step up. That is what defines me as a man of God
In times of struggle, my first reaction is to think what I (or others) could do differently to avoid the trouble. When I’ve exhausted all other options, then I go to God to ask for help. I have no idea who to blame in my current struggle or how to best address the issue. God may be teaching me to go to Him first… not after I “figure things out”.
WOW… That is great Matt. You figured it out this time with Gods provision and not your own! I love when we write things and then God speaks to you or others in your words *His* writings. We are what he has called us to be and not what others think we should be. Matt your words spoke volumes to me Through the Holy Spirit.. Thank you for listing and posting.. Lord please bless Matt for his obedience today and everyday in Jesus mighty name amen….
Thank you, Leonard!
I have been battling addiction but every time i fall to it I feel a voice that tells me “Look at you”.So I know I have a long way to go in building character.I am making progress and I realize that abiding in God is essential and that He is bigger than my problem
I am learning that my failures are typically a result of lack of focus and adequate preparation, not lack of time…..although lack of time is much easier to blame.
YES!!!! This group is amazing……
I have learned to look up!
I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh forth my help. My help comes from The Lord, which made heaven and earth. – Psalms 121
Amen brother!
I always have good intentions to read and study the word of God daily, yet life always gets in the way, and I fail within days of starting the plan. This plan is a new start for me.
Failure does not define me as a “bad person” . Thats my stuff, Jesus is there for me and loves me warts and all. As I look back Ive always learned more from a loss than a win.
You just won again Tim! you are exactly right we are not defined by our failures, but by the lessons we learn from them….
I think I become caught up in the negative thoughts and speech which is a true indicator that I’m not following Jesus in these moments. Luke 9:23 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” The lesson for me is to deny myself daily especially when I feel my negativity starting to fester.
I have learned to keep fighting the good fight. God loves me despite my sins so I always need to keep striving to be more like His Son, Jesus,
Rich that is good! Keep up the good fight..
I am learning that I am not defined by my failure
That’s right Matthew and who better to tell you that than the Father him self. I have to tell myself this everyday i make a mistake. I’m not defined by that one mistake.
Often times, I’m faced with similar circumstances to what I dealt with in the past, and failed to handle properly. Now, I have a second chance to handle those situations better or to help someone else to not make the same mistakes I’ve made.
That is correct Wade, and the beauty of a second chance doesn’t stop there. Your chances are over when you give up. Like our Brother Rich said, Keep up the good fight! Also remember that battle is not yours to win, I’ts our Fathers you just have to fight for you and let God handle the devil….. You guys are amazing.
Thanks Leonard. I appreciate the encouragement.
Learning to be honest with myself and continue to press on
That’s good Thomas. I like that a lot. I for one need to practice this when i think i can do more than i can actually handle.
I am learning to remember that failure is an event and not a person. Sometimes God uses a setback as a set up! My pastor said this week when something’s appear to be falling apart, God maybe moving them to fall into place.
Grace is greater than shame.
Golf is a great example and teaching ground for this principle. Starting with a triple bogey, you have to reach for your character and not dwell on the shame. You have 8 more holes to play (endurance). Put the failure behind you and reach for hope as you play the next hole and the next. I need to consciously apply this to life’s failures.
On a different angle, I am learning to be OK with failure enough to take chances and be brave, especially in my Ministry life. I tend to be very timid and that can cause me to miss out on opportunities.
I thank you Father, that even in my shortcomings, your forgiveness, and love are forever upon me, and in me.
Live ALL IN!
The true meaning of love.
Recent failures contributed by my lack to act, idleness, inability to decide. Lord make bold in all I do to do it for you. Help me to recognize those actions that contribute to your plan and to prioritize and take joy in sharing them.
Last week, I confessed my repetitive sin that’s been bugging me for months. I felt like I’ve disappointed God and took some steps backward, but this experience has given me more strength and a realization to not just serve God but respect Him too
This is all still confidential, right? 🙂 A failure? Later this morning I’m meeting with Pastor Mike about Confirmation. As one of the leaders, when the virus/lockdown hit, I completely disengaged from the kids, and so Mike picked up the ball and has been sending out a teaching video and questions every week since this all started. Then, a little over a week ago I was talking with one of the Confirmation parents about something else, and then Confirmation came up. They were super, super gracious and understanding, but I could tell they were wondering what happened – where did I go – why did I bail out on the kids like that? (my words, not theirs). It’s not as if I can’t teach and connect via technology (that’s been a big part of my job long before this virus stuff). I just didn’t feel like I had it in me. I still can’t explain it. Today, in meeting with Mike I hope to get back on the horse – but it all feels way, way, harder to do than it actually should be. At the same time, I’m mindful of looking for the discernment you’re describing Tim – wise words.
We have your back Todd, as does the Father
Failure is hard but it is a learning process and God has it in his hands.
Here’s the thing. I have failed. But having failed in the past does not give anyone else the right to keep throwing that failure in your face! I am very upset and hurt today…I pray that I bite my tongue and don’t feed into the negativity. I confess to God might shortcomings, and my past failures….but you know what?? I AM NOT A FAILURE!!
Some failures of my marriage vows recently came out. Thankful for a forgiving understanding wife and living each moment now to safeguard our marriage from temptation and how to be the Godly husband I am meant to be
I feel I have failed to be intentional with my downtime. Fatigue has led me to watch more TV in the evenings and read too much ESPN, neglecting scripture and prayer. I know God wants refreshment and rest for me.
I can find peace knowing that failures keep me humble and allow me to grow.
I recently had to repair a sprinkler and it took 4 trips to Lowe’s to finally get it right. Patience is perhaps the biggest thing God tries to teach me.
I find too many times when I fail or give into temptation one thing I didn’t do before hand is ask God to help me or support me. I have been learning to bring my struggles and failures to God DAILY. Asking Him for forgiveness, but also that he would strengthen me to overcome them.
the world is full of negative and focus on failure, i rejoice in what God is doing in leading me to Victory,
I will not be held bondage to the focus on failures but will gain strength in Gods word of rejoice.
When things go south it’s essential to let the light in and focus on my savior. It gives me strength and things move forward and it gets better. I am greatful to have the Lord in my life today and for me to be a child of God. Praise him!
Just trying to do things on my own
I think sometimes I fail by refusing to admit “I” failed.
I can’t transform myself into the person whoGod will accept by all my hard work. I am accepted the way I am right now in the moment. In every moment I am still accepted and invited by God.
It is not the end
I am learning that one missed opportunity does not define who I am.
I need this message. If we focus on our failure, on the destruction we cause and live in the regret, we can never move past it. We have to focus on Christ and trust Him to overcome our sin.
We are sinful man, life is full of ups and downs. If yesterday is a down day repent to God and take his forgiveness and guidance for a new day today!
It’s never too late to turn the bus around. Be kind to yourself.
I am learning the I need a community of believers around me
I am learning that time away from my normal schedule is not only beneficial, but needed to live a healthy and balanced life.
In James, he tells us to draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. When I blow it, I sometimes tend to hide from God, falsely believing that I’ve put distance between us. James 4:7-8 reminds me that I should always seek God, even when I mess up
Thank you Lord for teaching me a daily, hourly reliance on you – trusting only in you.
There is always a balance between getting back up onto the horse that threw you and realizing that God had actually intended to close a door on you. Sometimes we keep hitting our head over and over on a door that God has intended to close on us to redirect us towards another path. Finding that balance can be hard.
I find failure usually comes after a string of successes and I stop asking God for guidance and figure “ I got this” based on my previous success . It’s not that God is bringing me up short, but my lack of reality that He usually makes the difference in the situation and when He is left out, I fail.
I have given God thousands of reasons to not love me, none have changed His mind. Praise God.
That’s right brother. I have actually never heard it that way. I may have to steal that quote… 😉
Failures when losing a business deals are not always failures. Sometimes they are opportunities or God saying not right now.
i need to constantly remind myself that no matter how be things get. God always steps in right when im about to quit. he has never failed me
Amen Brother……
I struggle with my attitude at work and how I interact with others. Lord help me today to show your love. Proverbs 24:10 “If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.”
God, be with Tim today, my brother. Give him strength and an attitude that reflects you today—one that demonstrates your love for the unlovable and irritating.
Do things for God, with God. Not by myself.
God uses adversity to make us better and stronger men of faith!
I seem to fail when driven by selfishness
Me too George.
Me as well George!
I’m learning, well to be honest trying, to put All my trust in God.
I find failure usually comes after a string of successes and I stop asking God for guidance and figure “ I got this” based on my previous success . It’s not that God is bringing me up short, but my lack of reality that He usually makes the difference in the situation and when He is left out, I fail.
I often try to forget my failures and then try to cover it up by doing something I’m good at. I then find myself failing again in a similar fashion. I need to stop and take account of my actions so the next time I am prepared.
I am learning that my Needs are just Wants.
Brad, that is so good! ??
That I don;t have to dwell on my mistakes
?? Yes, brother!
My thoughts are like a snare, that trip me up. And in most cases, the snare or trap is of my own making.
God always gives us with a way out when we are presented with sin. Time to focus on way out versus the sin.
Failure to trust on the Lord fully. I’m leaning (Again) that not trusting brings less quality to life and a scattered mentality.
I often feel like I’m never good enough for anyone. Just trying to keep my focus on God and his goodness to help me through it.
I know that game. That’s exactly the kind of thing I thought of when I read the part about not listening to negative self talk. I need to work on getting better a pushing those lies not from God with truth of God.
I have learned that in my successes and failures God controls my life. With this I am learning to speak with God to analyze, praise and confess my feelings in a heartfelt approach. It has left me more at peace with any situation in my life I have encountered which I believe has help me in both my personal and professional life.
I am learning that failure is expected, failure is not and end all, failure will shape me and make me a better man. But only if I stay positive and do as Paul said “rejoice in your sufferings”. No man likes the sord “failure”, we tend to think we are too masculine to “fail”. I am learning masculine is being strong enough to accept failure, seek forgiveness and give glory to God in those moments. Thanks for the challenge Vince
Today I’m learning that regardless how many times I fail, or think I’m failing, God still is on the throne and he will always love me. He is a Good Good Father!
??
I am learning to get better at thinking before I speak.
This winter I wanted to get in better physical condition and loss some weight. Did not loss any weight, but this spring have been physically active: yard work, painting deck, even played golf and walked all 9 holes. My oncologist said the most important thing you can do to to be physically health is to stay ACTIVE. I am staying active even though it comes with a lot of old age pains.
Giddy up..get back on the horse.
Yeee Hawww baby!
Leaning to “get my mind right” and flip the script on negative thoughts. So easy to get overwhelmed with things I don’t know how to do. Trying to focus more on my successes and things I do know how to do or have followed through with already.
God I pray for focus today for Nick.
Failure doesn’t mean it is time to quit.
That’s right brother!
I am learning to pause and trust God a little more each day.
Trying to fix things on my own and not relying on God through prayer.