Message from the Monthly Flyer May 2018

Overcoming Failure

"Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me." (Micah 7:8) A few years ago our daughter desperately wanted to learn how to ride a skate board. As the over protective Mother that I am, we made sure she had safety gear from head to toe. Unfortunately, after the third practice run down the hill, the wheel caught a rock, and immediately she crashed to the ground. She never wanted to get back on a skate board again. She was in pain and humiliated. Tears were running down her little dirty face. But with love and guidance, we convinced her to get back up again, and no matter what, don't ever give up! I read a statement once that has been often attributed to Winston Churchill, "success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." It is impossible to live a life free from hurt, pain, failure, mistakes and trials. There is no Bible character that did not experience a few bumps and bruises along their journey. You can't simply avoid everything. Many times there are not detours available along your spiritual road. But when you fail or fall, you can be an overcomer through the power of the Holy Ghost!

· Sin takes away but the power of the Holy Ghost gives back!
· Sin ruins but the power of the Holy Ghost restores!
· Sin causes sickness and pain but the power of the Holy Ghost heals and brings life!
· Sin brings fear but the power of the Holy Ghost gives peace!
· Sin brings shame but the power of the Holy Ghost brings boldness!
· Sin condemns and binds but the power of the Holy Ghost sets us free!
· Sin knocks us down but the power of the Holy Ghost picks us up again!

Our failure does not have to be final or fatal. The power of the Holy Ghost can restore us, remake us and reestablish the promises of God in our life! (Romans 3:23; II Corinthians 5:17) If we fall we must not surrender to shame, discouragement and defeat! Instead we must get up through repentance, turn around and never look back again. (1 John 1:8-9) Paul said that if we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16, 25 and Ephesians 2:2-6) Let me encourage you that it is never too late to stand up and walk away from your current failures. (Psalm 37:23-24)

The goal of the enemy is to discourage us. To make us feel unworthy of mercy. To convince us that our past failures are greater than God's power to save. But Paul said we are more than conquerors! Not even death, life, angels, powers ...nothing can separate us from the powerful love of Christ! (Romans 8:37-39) It is time to get back up and overcome through the power of the Holy Ghost! Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." sr