Fumbles And Failures
“It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
— Ephesians 4:11-13
Friday, March 10, 2023
Fumbles, failures, goofs — whatever you call them — do strange things to a team’s confidence. They can be momentum breakers and can produce lost games — both in sports and in life.
On the flip side, however, when too much attention is placed upon these occasional failures, it can cost a good player his confidence and his composure.
How often have you dropped the ball? Maybe you missed a critical appointment at work. Or perhaps you forgot your child’s or even your spouse’s birthday. If we stay fixated on our missed opportunities or mistakes, we can become ineffective and depressed.
Despite our shortcomings, God can use each of us to build His kingdom. I think too many people feel unworthy because they place too much focus on their failures instead of on the graciousness of a loving God.
Too often we glorify Bible characters and believe that our ability to serve God is less than those “saintly” prophets and apostles of yesterday.
It is encouraging to remember that our heavenly Father has equipped each one of us with special talents. He wants us to utilize these gifts rather than be overly critical of our failures.
Think about how God used biblical characters despite their imperfections:
Moses stuttered.
David’s armor didn’t fit.
John Mark was rejected by Paul.
Amos’s only training was in the school of fig tree pruning.
Solomon was too rich.
Abraham was too old.
Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse? So did Peter, Paul —well, lots of folks did.
Aren’t we glad God doesn’t keep an account of our fumbles? He is quick to forgive and forget; despite a bad year He still has us in His lineup season after season. He doesn’t require a job interview. He doesn’t hire and fire like human bosses because He’s more than just a boss. He’s not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging, sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry or blind to our need.
He knows how we are formed. He remembers we are dust. — Psalm 103:14
If we are totally in love with Him, if we hunger for Him more than for our next breath, He’ll use us in spite of who we are, where we’ve been, or what we look like.
Believe that God is able to use you in spite of your failures or shortcomings. Be willing to let Him use you through your failures and weaknesses.
LET US PRAY:
Dear Gracious God, Thank you for your amazing grace that saved one like me.
I confess my failures, fumbles, and shortcomings and I receive grace to function faithfully, confidently, and effectively in my position in the body.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
(Kindly share with someone today)
