Trading Failure for Victory!
Embracing Godly Wisdom Amidst Life’s Trials
We’ve all faced failures that have left us feeling broken, worried, and grieving. Yet, the good news is that God not only heals the wounds of our past mistakes, failures, and rejections, but He also equips us to avoid them in the future. You might wonder, “How is that possible?” The answer lies in the operation of Godly Wisdom. When we seek wisdom, it propels us forward, guiding our every step.
Whenever we embark on a new endeavor, the potential for failure lurks nearby. However, with wisdom, we gain foresight and answers before challenges arise. Think of it like the “special effects” in movies—those carefully crafted scenes designed to enhance our experience. These effects often highlight destruction or superhuman feats, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
In a similar vein, failures, mistakes, and rejections can be likened to the devil’s special effects—causing deep personal wounds that are difficult to forget. But God has His own supernatural effects that can heal those past hurts and shield us from future pain.
The Example of Jabez
Consider Jabez, whose story is found in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. He was called “Jabez” because his mother bore him in sorrow. Yet, Jabez cried out to God, asking for blessings, expansion of his territory, and protection from evil. Remarkably, God granted his request.
As 2 Thessalonians 3:3 assures us, “But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil.”
Understanding Evil
Evil manifests as pain, guilt, and moral recklessness, but it can also be described as adversity and distress. The devil’s intention is to sow discord in our lives, ultimately rendering us worthless. He seeks to instill feelings of worthlessness and corruption from our wrong actions or thoughts.
Galatians 6:8 reminds us, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Choose Your Company Wisely
Proverbs 13:20 tells us, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” In John 17:15, Jesus prayed not for us to be taken out of the world, but for us to be kept from evil.
To elevate your standards, let the Word of God shape your life. By applying scripture to your daily routine, you can purify your passions and find direction for your will. The extent to which the Word influences your will determines your standard of living.
Psalm 37:4 states, “Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” This “delight” involves submitting yourself to God’s Word, allowing it to influence you more than your circumstances. As your desires align with His will, God will raise your standard of living to higher levels.
The Passion for the Lost
God’s heart beats for the lost, and He paid the ultimate price for their salvation. Your passions define your legacy. The rich man in scripture is remembered only for his wealth, lacking a purpose aligned with God’s. In contrast, Lazarus, known for his suffering, was embraced by Jesus.
2 Corinthians 8:9 tells us, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” When you align your passions with God’s, your life becomes a testament to His glory.
Healing from Wounds
Lazarus bore open sores, representing unhealed wounds that kept him in low places. The company he kept could not lift him up. If you find yourself in similar circumstances, seek those who can elevate you. Surrounding yourself with the wrong crowd can lead to untreated wounds and even demise.
Evil brings sorrow, worry, and pain, but while God doesn’t author these experiences, He can protect us from their destructive effects.
Escaping the ”Self-Pit”
Have you been having a pity party lately? Isaiah 38:17 reminds us of the bitterness we may feel, but also of God’s love that delivers us from our “pit of corruption.” When you lift your soul from self-pity, you open the door to prosperity.
Romans 7:18 reveals, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing.” It’s crucial to come out of that self-pity.
Psalm 30:3 reassures us that God can bring our souls up from the grave. Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith, and reflect on how far God has brought you.
Sowing to the Spirit
Galatians 6:8 emphasizes that sowing to the Spirit yields eternal life. Mark 4:14 states, “The sower soweth the word.” God has His own special effects, known as the supernatural, waiting to manifest in your life.
Consider the miraculous ways God has acted throughout history: leading the Israelites out of Egypt, bringing down the walls of Jericho, the virgin birth of Jesus, and His resurrection. Your life can also be filled with supernatural events—God is no respecter of persons. If He has done it for one, He will do it for you.
Trusting God’s Direction
As we trust in God, His direction for our lives unfolds. Jeremiah 10:23 reminds us that our paths are not ours to direct. Proverbs 3:6 advises us to lean on God rather than our understanding.
1 John 5:1-5 emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus as the key to overcoming the world. Meditate on these scriptures, praying for God to reveal their meanings in your life. As you sow His Word into your heart, you’ll begin to witness the supernatural power of God removing the evils that threaten to destroy you.
Living Word Christian Center 