Failure and Recovery (Part 7)
And now, the seventh step in recovering from failure: As you are diligent to capitalize on this circumstance, you will experience the reward. Your consistency in walking in the power of the Spirit will increase. You will see more consonant victory over your fleshly patterns. Your confidence in your Father's plan will grow. And, your ability to communicate your life to others will be facilitated.
As only God can do, He has taken your shortcomings and woven His plan throughout to form a beautiful tapestry in your life. From the front, your life is a work of art, but when the tapestry of your life is turned over there are knots and strings and frayed ends. I know there is a temptation to clip the ends and pull on loose strings in an effort to make the back of the tapestry look as beautiful as the front. But in so doing, the tapestry begins to unravel, and it is only then you discover the frayed ends on the back have a beauty all their own and work together to make the tapestry itself. You are a rich tapestry. I encourage you: Let people see your beauty from both sides and don't tolerate anyone who discounts you because you are a unique individual. As imperfect as it may seem to you, God has made you a beautiful person.
Your story is the classic tale of the struggle between good and evil. As is the case in any story, there must be a hero, one who appears to be facing odds beyond his ability to overcome, and yet, one who prevails. Recognize the formidable foe you face on the spiritual battlegrounds of life and determine for the good of those who follow in your footsteps you will take up the fight against the Prince of Darkness who wages war against your Father, the God of the Universe.
By coming through this failure, you understand that strength is not flexed through the world's means but is demonstrated by depending upon his Heavenly Father. You know your source for victory is not resident in your own soul but is endowed upon you by your Father's sufficiency.
Your reward is not based upon your competency, worth, or achievement but upon the solid fact you are anchored in Christ as a corner post and your Father ran the distance and paid the price to have you as his friend.
And now a toast: Here's to my brothers and sisters, my comrades in arms, heroes every one. May you march on the road to victory with strength and courage and may you bless those who come after you. Hear, hear!