My church had split, and I was ready to quit. I was a “failure.”
Yet, soon after, God called us to merge with another church. I balked at the idea of going through the pain and stress of such an ordeal.
God often uses previous failures to poise us for future blessings and success.
The Lord was showing me that the cause of the split wasn’t my failure as a leader, but His healthy leadership. He was maturing me and leading our congregation, despite appearances.
Paul and Barnabas were divided on bringing John Mark along on a missionary journey (Acts 15:36-41). Later, we see Paul’s affection and acceptance of John Mark in ministry (2 Tim. 4:11). This sharp division had resulted in furthering the kingdom and spreading the gospel farther than before.
God wants to show us that where we think we failed, He is sovereign. He is working in the details to prepare us for what He knows will be a blessing. He reminds us that when the enemy calls us failures, He is giving us grace and calling us blessed.
This Week’s Prayer Focus [5 in 5]
Personal Prayer
1. Is rehashing past failures preoccupying your mind? Ask God to calm your worries and direct your vision outward.
2. Ask the Lord for clarity to see His vision and purpose for you.
3. Pray for patience to weather the inevitable failures of life in order to get to the blessings.
Foursquare Focus
4. Pray for churches as the fall season begins, bringing community events, festivals and outreach. Ask the Lord to prepare souls to meet Him, and that leaders would feel energized and equipped.
5. This Sunday is the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem. Join with your congregation to pray for the Holy Land and that God’s will would be accomplished there.
Share your thoughts. See comments below, and add your own.
