DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT: COMING BACK FROM FAILURE #2

Failure is an event, never a person. -- William Brown
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John 21:1-25
FAILURE HAS A TENDENCY TO MAKE US TO SEARCH FOR THE FAMILIAR

Failure usually comes when we attempt something out of the norm… i.e., a new relationship, a new business or job, moving to a new place etc., generally something that involves taking a risk. When we meet difficulties and it doesn’t turn out the way we hoped, we tend to go back to what we did before. Peter’s dilemma caused him to return to fishing, he would seek comfort in this.

Sometimes we seek solace for our failures in other areas of our lives… alcohol, drugs or other secret addictions that we had never dealt with in our lives, prior to our predicaments, but there is a way out… I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. The first step to overcoming failure is to confess our sins and Jesus will restore us, as He forgave and restored Peter.

John recognises the voice of Jesus in John21:7… and Peter jumps overboard and swims to Jesus! This was his first step to receiving forgiveness and restoration. Jesus receives him and provides
breakfast for him, in the miraculous provision of fish and bread. And He will provide for us, when our relationship with Him is repaired. Rev 3:20-21 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame
and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Life is a leaf of paper white
Whereon each one of us may write
His word or two, and then comes night.

Greatly begin! though thou have time
But for a line, be that sublime--
Not failure, but low aim, is crime. -- James Russell Lowell.

Loving Father, I thank you for your word that helps me to understand myself, helps me to put my life into perspective. Forgive me Lord, for going back to the things that I was familiar with, wash me and cleanse me. I thank you that you are a God of forgiveness and restoration. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.