Unfortunately, failure is frequent. We don’t like to admit it, but it’s true. I’m not saying this to make you feel bad. I’m saying it to draw your attention to something good. God can use even the failures of his people for his good purposes. As we read through the Bible, we find a cacophony of … Continue reading This is for those who fail
power of God
The battle is real
“In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come … Continue reading The battle is real
God is under no illusions about you
If you’re like a lot of other people right now and are struggling under the weight of a global pandemic, you’re probably having more bad days than you’re used to. As a result, maybe you beat yourself up. Perhaps you even feel like you’re letting God down. But God is not surprised by your frailty and … Continue reading God is under no illusions about you
Not disqualified
When we’ve made mistakes or experienced failure in the past, we can mistakenly think that we are defined by those experiences on an ongoing basis and that God has no further use for us. But as I said yesterday, God is not limited by your limitations. To think that your previous failures handcuff God’s power … Continue reading Not disqualified
Failure is never final
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26). Have you ever felt like a failure? We can feel like we’ve failed when our lives are not what we had wanted them to be, or when we haven’t handled a certain relationship well, … Continue reading Failure is never final
Your giants tumble
How many of you face invisible giants on a daily basis? I’m guessing a lot of you. Here are a few examples of what I mean by “invisible giants”: stress at home, a persecutor, a financial worry, loneliness, an addiction… Here’s a helpful word from Max Lucado: “Focus on giants you stumble. Focus on God … Continue reading Your giants tumble
The power and the glory
“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13, KJV). Several years ago I led an online study. During one of the sessions, I invited participants to share a time when they experienced the powerful presence of God in the midst of a difficult situation. Liz Brown subscribes … Continue reading The power and the glory
The comfort of God’s sovereignty
“I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose…” (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV) Harold Kim tells a story about his friend Daniel who had to bury his wife, Maria, due … Continue reading The comfort of God’s sovereignty
God uses crooked sticks
Broken. Bruised. Uncertain. Imperfect. Flawed. Deficient. Maybe you can relate to a few of those words. Maybe they describe something challenging from your past—or from your present. Today I’m here to tell you that “God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines.”* That’s something that was said by a church father named Ignatius. As the … Continue reading God uses crooked sticks
In a world where resurrection is possible
The resurrection is central to Christian faith. Paul says that if Jesus has not been raised then your faith is “useless” (1 Corinthians 15:14). It changes how we see and experience the world. Why? Because in a world where resurrection is possible, anything is possible! The New Testament writers continually highlight that our world and … Continue reading In a world where resurrection is possible
