Devotionals

Winning Over that Feeling of Failure

by Evelyn Alexander 
10/22/24
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It was quiet and dark as I sank into my chair. Sleep wasn’t coming. I was fighting disappointment in myself as I again felt like a failure at serving Christ. What triggered the feeling isn’t important, but what is, is where my thoughts led.

Scripture tells us to be overcomers, and I want my Heavenly Father to be proud of me by being so. But no matter my successes, I felt whipped by my short-comings and failures.

My thoughts churned. “What do I do, God? Am I ever going to be able to break this cycle of failing, then telling you, ‘I’m sorry’, only to repeat it again?” I felt discouraged.

It wasn’t long before the words, “Live Jesus,” jumped into my thoughts. What does that mean? I wondered. The answer soon came. As Christians, no matter who we are, or what God has placed on our heart to do or be … whether we’re wealthy or poor … highly educated or a struggling student … no matter if we stand in the pulpit or sit in the pew … if we set our minds and hearts on “living Jesus”, we can know with certainty we’ll also be winning the fight against the feeling of failure, for we are living out what Matthew 6:33 (AMP) tells us to do.

“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things (what we need or seek) will be given to you also."

We need to keep our focus on just one thing: faithfully follow and live Jesus. When we do, we’re learning not to live by feelings, but by our trust in the one we’re following.

“Live Jesus”— and we will win!  For He came to show us how we can have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV)

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Evelyn is retired from 26+ years in Christian ministry, and now posts on today's new mission field, Social Media.