Have you ever lost a job or a chance for promotion? Have you ever set a goal for yourself and fell short of your own expectations? Many of us have suffered disappointments in relationships, finances, as well as lost opportunities. What happens to us when we feel that we have failed in a certain area of our life?

For the past three years, my son has done very well playing basketball for a recreational league in our area. Recently, he attended a try out to earn a spot playing for a more competitive basketball league. As it turned out, he was not asked to join that league and our son really wrestled with feelings of failure and inadaquacy.

My son asked, "Why didn't God answer my prayer to make the team?" I responded that He did answer your prayer and the answer that He gave was no. The reassuring thing is that we can always remain hopeful and confident that God has a better plan. When we don't understand why something has happened, we can always look to God's word for strength and comfort.

It says in Proverbs 3:5,6 to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. No matter how many times we may suffer a disappointment or setback, we always have an opportunity to make a fresh start. As we acknowledge and trust in Him, He will lift us up and set our feet on the right path.

Today, I am happy to report that my sons outlook has greatly improved. Even though he won't be playing in the competitive league, he plans to continue playing basketball for the recreational league this year. He has learned that sometimes a door has to close for another one to open. We are anxious to see what lies ahead for him. I can hardly wait to see God's plans for him unfold.

THE PATH HE CHOOSES

If I could choose my course,
I would take the sunlit path;
One lined with fragrant flowers,
And fields of flowing grass.

But God knows there are lessons,
That I can only learn,
Along the stony pathway,
On a road that twists and turns.

In love He walks beside me,
On the bumpy road of life;
He helps me keep my footing,
And floods my way with light.

And all along the journey,
When I yearn for the smoother way,
I'm taught that the path He chooses,
Is the one that leads to faith.
Copyright ©1997 Jan McIntosh

John Maxwell says,
"Failing doesn't mean I'm a failure;
It just means I have not yet succeeded.
It doesn't mean I've accomplished nothing;
It just means I've learned something.
It doesn't mean I've been a fool;
It just means I've had the courage to take a risk.
It doesn't mean I'm inferior;
It just means I'm not perfect.
It doesn't mean I've wasted my time;
It just means I have a reason to start over (again).
It doesn't mean I should give up;
It just means I have to try harder.
It doesn't mean I'll never make it;
It just means I need more patience.
It doesn't mean God has abandoned me;
It just means He has a better idea!"

I will instruct you and teach you
In the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.
Psalms 32:8

But seek first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness,
And all these things
Shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33

Blessed is that man who
Makes the Lord his trust.
Psalms 40:4

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