Are you ever disappointed in yourself? Join the club! When tests in life come, and they will, sometimes we pass the test, and sometimes we fail. It’s all good. We can take comfort in knowing that, in our failure, we are not alone. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). “All” is inclusive and leaves no one out. So here we are, you and me, them and us, all together! Rather than wallow in remorse and contemplate giving up on yourself, your situation, others, or life, think about Psalm 139:23-24, NIV:
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Tests are purposeful. They reveal our own heart to us. When we are tested, we can know what is in our heart because what us in our heart comes out of our mouth (Matthew 15:18). Let us feel a little pressure and see what comes out—blessing or cursing? Blame? Self-pity? Anger? A call for help? What surfaces? Fear? Discouragement? The sacrifice of praise? Declarations of trust? Testing helps us know ourselves better.
Verse 24, NIV, implores God to “see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” The NKJV translates “offensive” as “wicked,” the ESV as “grievous,” and Amplified as “wicked or hurtful.” Are our ways offensive to others, offensive to God? Do we have a wicked heart? Do we grieve the Holy Spirit? Are our thoughts, words, or actions hurtful? Here is good news: God is on our side. He makes a way where there is no way. He does the impossible.
If we fail, we can know failure is purposeful. It helps us see ourselves more clearly so we can correct the error of our ways. When we find we have no power to make desired changes, we can take comfort that we are not alone. God is with us and is more than willing to help. He will lead us along paths of righteousness if that’s what we want. Tribulation lead to perseverance, and perseverance builds character, and character gives us hope (Romans 5:3-4) Our trials will help us grow in patience if we don’t quit, and will make us “perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (from James 1:2-4). Our tests and trials mature us.
When we fall down, the thing to do is get back up rather than wallow. Learn where the potholes are and learn to avoid them. Trust that God is on our side, and He is interested in the path we take and wants us to be successful.
Prayer: Thank You, God,for this test. Though I failed, You have not left me without hope! Thank you for Your constant love and care. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me of my anxious thoughts. Lead me in the way everlasting. Amen
I need this today. Loved this