Falling Isn't Failing

Proverbs 24:16 says that a just man, though he falls seven times will rise again.

How often we are reminded of many truths!

Falling isn't failure. The failure come when we refuse to rise.

Is it possible the seven times reference is similar to Christ's when asked how many times we should forgive? It's not about keeping score, nor keeping record, but learning from our mistakes, no matter the severity or the stupidity of them (hard as they may be when they happen; frustrating as the aftermath that follows)

Though we may be known for our mistakes and mishaps for a season, life continues to reveal that the intersection of action and reaction is constant. What's more, our reactions are often more telling of what's in our hearts and minds that the actions that stand on their own merit.

For as long as we live in fallen world and deal with a fallen, sinful nature, the struggle will continue to be real (more real, than we care to admit to live in at times, granted). People will do us wrong. We do wrong by other people. Accidents occur. Mistakes are made. Some will be life-changing disturbances. Others, simply "bang your head on the desk" stupid frustrations.

The wicked are brought down by their calamity; but for the believer, our hope and identity stand with Christ. We have neither to live in our failure, nor or fallen state. By His strength and His grace, we persevere and press on in the faith we profess, difficult as it may be on the days that are worse than the others. Yet our lives speak to the future and to the generations of leaders and followers who come behind us. God help us to do well by them.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that the church and its' pastors, would lead lives that continue to rise. Though disappointments and mistakes about, may we not be known by out flaws, but by the witness of God's working all things together for good. Pray the testimony would go forth; that God does not leave us in our fallen and broken condition; that the lessons we learn are not in vain; yet useful for the kingdom of God. May we be people of perseverance, in the face of adversity and difficulty; rising to the challenges of life; even to the point of refusing to rise. Pray the Spirit of God would strengthen us in our weakness, for even we no longer feel like getting up, may we find the wherewithal do so for the edification of the body of Christ and the glory of God.

Fallen no more,
Made alive in Christ.
Made anew in His plans and purposes.
Using our lives for His glory
For in our weakness, He is strong.
May our focus rest upon God, rather than ourselves.
Placing our trust according, for the cause of Christ.

- PNC