I am going to be very honest, as I’m sure you will appreciate: Sometimes I feel like a total failure.
You may have some impression of me, and that impression might be a good one. However, sometimes I see myself as a failure for not having accomplished a fraction of my stated goals, thereby leaving myself wondering, “Will I ever be able to do this?”
This morning has been difficult. It’s been a long time since any regular income has come in. And even though I felt sure I was supposed to be doing what I’m doing career-wise, it’s not put much money in the bank as of yet. I’m not talking about ministry; I’m talking about my work outside the pastorate (I’m bi-vocational).
So, I went to Blueletterbible.com and did a word search for “fail.” There were over 60 occurrences of the word, but two of them stood out to me.
The first one spoke of how David understood pain and doubt. He had questions about God’s compassion and promises.
Is his mercy clean gone forever? doth his promise fail for evermore? – Psalm 77:8
But then David went on to answer his own question by remembering what God has done and said:
Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. – Psalm 77:14
Then I came to the following verse:
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. – Isaiah 41:17
I am poor and needy. We have more than a water bill. I can’t do this on my own! Much of the help that should come from man is missing, but I have a God who hears my plea and has not forsaken me!
All I have to do is cry out to him!
I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. – Psalm 57:2
Lord, I am not a failure as long as there is still breath in my lungs and an opportunity for me to step forward to my Goliaths. My strength is small; my abilities are few; my vision is limited to the horizon, but You will not forsake me, and Your presence will go before me. You will get the credit for my successes, for Your name will be glorified as You help me stand, fight, conquer, and provide for my family (Deut. 8:18). I am not a failure because You are not.
The Recovering Legalist 