C. BOSTIAN Facing The Facts About Failure 1/15/06

MAKING A FRESH START PT.2:

[S] Romans 3:23-23 (paraphrase)

All of us have failed, falling way short of fulfilling the beauty of God‘s plan, that which God intended us to be.

Romans 8:28 (KJV)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

THIS MORNING I WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE IN THIS NEW SERIES ON UNDERSTANDING THE FACTS ABOUT FAILURE SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO MAKE A FRESH START. [s] WE OFTEN THINK THAT FAILURE IS MEANT TO HURT US AND BRING OUR ULTIMATE RUIN. HOWEVER, FAILURE CAN ACTUALLY BE OUR FRIEND WHEN WE TAKE THE TIME TO BE PROACTIVE AND LEARN FROM OUR MISTAKES.

[s] Lou Holtz "I think everyone should experience defeat at least once during their career. You learn a lot from it."

ROM.8:28 ASSURES US THAT GOD WILL MAKE ALL THINGS, GOOD AND BAD, WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD WHEN WE TRUST GOD. YOU SEE, ITS AT THE POINT OF OUR FAILURE THAT WE CAN GAIN MORE ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE THAT WILL EMPOWER US TO BEGIN AGAIN AND MINIMIZE FUTURE FAILURES. IT TOOK THOMAS EDISON 9,999 MISTAKES BEFORE HE INVENTED THE LIGHTBULB. HE DIDN’T CONSIDER THAT A WASTE OF TIME HE JUST DISCOVERED 9,999 THINGS THAT DIDN’T WORK. THEY KEY IS THAT HE DIDN’T QUIT BUT KEPT PRESSING ON AFTER EVERY FAILURE UNTIL HE DISCOVERED THE RIGHT ELEMENT TO MAKE THE LIGHTBULB. WE ARE ENJOYING THE BENEFITS OF HIS HARD WORK AND TENACITY TODAY AS WE SIT UNDER 1800 WATTS OF LIGHT AND READ OUR BIBLES TOGETHER. SO [s] FAILURE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE FATAL. ITS NOT THE END IT IS ONLY PART OF THE PROCESS TO OUR ULTIMATE VICTORY AND SUCCESS IN LIFE.

[s] Michael Jordan "I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occassions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot . . . and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why . . . I succeed."

LET’S DO A QUICK REVIEW FROM LAST WEEK AND THEN I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU 5 THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO TO AVOID FAILURE.

WE LEARNED THE BASIC DEFINITION OF FAILURE TO MEAN: AN omission of occurrence or performance; specifically: a failing to perform a duty or expected action. IT CAN BE a state of inability to perform a normal function. FAILURE IS ALSO CONSIDERED A lack of success As one who is failing in A business that results in BANKRUPTCY. FAILURE IS ALSO a falling short or a DEFICIENCY OR not PRODUCING the intended effect.

HERE ARE 10 FACTS ABOUT FAILURE:

failure IS ACTUALLY A NORMAL part of life AND IS PART OF THE PROCESS TOWARDS SUCCESS. SOMEONE ONCE SAID: "Yesterday's failures are today's seeds That must be diligently planted to be able to abundantly harvest Tomorrow's success."
MANY PEOPLE LIVE WITH A FEAR OF FAILURE THAT CAUSES A LOT OF STRESS IN THEIR LIVES. iT CAN CAUSE THEM TO BE INDICISIVE AND PROCRASTINATORS IN LIFE. ON THE OTHER HAND THE FEAR OF FAILURE CAN CAUSE THEM TO BECOME A workaholic BECAUSE NOTHING THEY EVER DO IS GOOD ENOUGH SO THEY JUST KEEP TRYING TO DO BETTER.
The THIRD fact about failure is that failure is a fact; And though we can seek to minimize our mistakes and failures, the issue is not how to keep from failing, but how to survive and recover from failure.
when you let go of the image of being perfect, the fear of failure will lose its grip on your life.
THE FIFTH THING WE MUST LEARN ABOUT FAILURE IS THAT IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE FATAL. When we do fail, we often over exaggerate the effects of that failure. We blow it out of proportion. WE NEED TO REALIZE THAT ITS not the end of the world.
WHEN WE EXPERIENCE PERSONAL FAILURE OR SIN WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT GOD HAS MADE PROVISION FOR THAT IN THE NEW COVENANT. GOD DOES NOT CONDEMN YOU WHEN YOU FAIL BUT USES THE CONVICTION OF THE hOLY sPIRIT TO PRODUCE REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION SO THAT YOU CAN OBTAIN HIS FORGIVENESS AND MAKE A FRESH START ONCE AGAIN.
IN PROVERBS 24:16 SOLOMON TELLS US THAT A JUST MAN FALLS SEVEN TIMES AND RISES AGAIN EACH TIME. THIS VERSE IS TELLING US THAT EVEN GOOD PEOPLE FAIL FROM TIME TO TIME BUT GOD CAUSES THEM TO RISE AGAIN FROM THEIR FAILURES AND HELPS THEM MAKE A FRESH START EVERY TIME.
the difference between a failure and a success in life IS THAT Successful people simply get up and keep on going. Successful people don’t quit when they blow it. Successful people are persistent, determined and diligent. They KNOW HOW TO endurE HARDSHIPS, OBSTICALES AND SETBACKS.
Richard Nixon SAID THAT Defeat doesn't finish a man--quit does. A man is not finished when he's defeated. He's finished when he quits.

10. DENNIS WAITLEY SAID THAT FAILURE SHOULD BE OUR

TEACHER AND NOT OUR UNDERTAKER. FAILURE IS DELAY

NOT DEFEAT. IT IS A TEMPORARY NOT A DEAD END.

THIS MORNING I WANT TO GIVE [S] YOU FIVE REASONS WHY PEOPLE FAIL FROM THE BOOK OF PROVERBS. SO IN REALITY THESE ARE FIVE THINGS WE CAN DO TO AVOID FAILURE.

[S] 1. PEOPLE FAIL WHEN THEY DON’T PLAN AHEAD.

[S] Isaiah 25:1 (MsgB)

God, you are my God. I celebrate you. I praise you. You've done your share of miracle-wonders, well-thought-out plans, solid and sure.

Psalm 33:11 (MsgB)

God's plan for the world stands up, all his designs are made to last.

[S] Proverbs 27:12 (MsgB)

A prudent person sees trouble coming and plans for it;

a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.

Proverbs 16:9 (MsgB)

We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.

I’M SURE YOU’VE HEARD THE SAYING: “IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN THEN YOU PLAN TO FAIL.” MOST OF YOU ARE AWARE THAT POSTAGE WENT UP 2 CENTS SO NOW IT COST 39 CENTS TO MAIL A LETTER. GUESS WHAT? THE ABERDEEN POST OFFICE DIDN’T PLAN AHEAD AND THEY RAN OUT OF 2 CENT STAMPS. SO IN EFFECT THEY FAILED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T ACCURATELY PLAN AHEAD. IF YOU WANT TO SUCCED IN BUSINESS, IN A CAREER OR IN A RELATIONSHIP THEN YOU MUST PLAN AHEAD. JESUS PUT IT THIS WAY:

[S] Luke 14:28-30 (MsgB)

"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? [29] If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: [30] 'He started something he couldn't finish.'

IF YOU WILL PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND LISTEN TO GOD HE WILL GIVE YOU ENOUGH INFORMATION TO PLAN AHEAD. GOD TOLD NOAH TO BUILD AN ARK BEFORE IT HAD BEGUN TO RAIN. HE SPENT 170 YEARS PLANNING, PREPARING AND BUILDING FOR SOMETHING HE HAD NEVER SEEN BEFORE AND THAT WAS RAIN. THE INFORMATION GOD GIVES YOU AT THE TIME MAY NOT ALWAYS MAKE PERFECT SENSE BUT WE MUST USE IT TO PLAN AHEAD BECAUSE HE SEES THE END FROM THE BEGINNING.

[s] Jim Rohn
I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacation with better care than they do their lives. Perhaps that is because escape is easier than change.

THERE IS ONLY ONE TIME WE RAN OUT OF FOOD FOR A CHURCH SUPPER. DO YOU KNOW WHY WE NEVER RUN OUT OF FOOD ANYMORE? ITS BECAUSE MY WIFE DOESN’T EVER WANT TO MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN AND PLANS AHEAD. SO WHEN WE HAVE A THANKSGIVING SUPPER SHE PREPARES MORE FOOD THAN USUAL SO THAT WE WON’T RUN OUT JUST IN CASE MORE PEOPLE COME THAN WE PLANNED ON SERVING. THAT’S CALLED PLANNING AHEAD. IT APPLIES TO EVERY AREA OF OUR LIVES. IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN THEN YOU PLAN TO FAIL SO LEARN TO PLAN AHEAD AND YOU CAN MINIMIZE FAILURE.

[s] Charles C. Noble "You must have long term goals (plans) to keep you from being frustrated by short term failures."

"Success often comes to those who have the aptitude to see way down the road." Laing Burns, Jr.

"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation." Arthur Ashe

SO IF YOU WANT TO AVOID FAILURE THEN PLAN AHEAD!

[S] 2. PEOPLE FAIL WHEN THEY THINK THEY’VE ALREADY ARRIVED.

[s] John Ruskin said, “In general, pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes.”

[S] Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23 (KJV)

A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT PRIDE COMES BEFORE A FALL. WHEN YOU THINK YOU KNOW IT ALL YOU WILL SOON DISCOVER THAT YOU DON’T. WHEN YOU GET TO BIG FOR YOUR BRITCHES YOU GET EXPOSED IN THE END. EXCUSE THE PUN: “EXPOSED IN THE END.” IF YOU WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE THEN YOU MUST REMAIN OPEN AND TEACHABLE. SOMEONE ONCE SAID THAT YOU WON’T LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO MAKE ALL THE MISTASKES NECESSARY TO BE SUCCESSFUL. SO LEARN FROM THE ADVICE OF OTHERS WHO HAVE TRIED AND FAILED.

[S] Proverbs 11:2 (MsgB)

The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm.

1 Cor. 10:12 (MsgB)

Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.

IF YOU WANT TO AVOID FAILURE THEN BE WILLING TO LEARN FROM OTHERS. PRIDE WILL KEEP YOU FROM LEARNING FROM YOUR PEERS AND YOUR SUBORDINATES BUT REAL SUCCESS COMES BY LEARNING FROM THE EXPERIENCES OF EVERYONE. SO REMAIN OPEN AND TEACHABLE AND YOU CAN MINIMIZE THE NUMBER OF TIMES YOU FAIL IN BUSINESS, IN A CAREER OR IN A RELATIONSHIP.

[s] Proverbs 19:20 (KJV)

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

[s] “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you.” CS Lewis

SO IF YOU WANT TO AVOID CERTAIN FAILURE THEN HUMBLE YOURSELF UNDER THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD AND HE WILL EXALT YOU!

[S] 3. PEOPLE FAIL WHEN THEY ARE AFRAID TO TAKE A RISK.

Romans 1:17 (KJV)

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:11 (KJV)

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Brian Tracy
I found every single successful person I've ever spoken to had a turning point. The turning point was when they made a clear,specific unequivocal decision that they were not going to live like this anymore; they were going to achieve success. Some people make that decision at 15 and some people make it at 50, and most people never make it all.

THERE IS A CRETAIN PHOBIA THAT PARALYZES MANY PEOPLE AND THAT IS THE FEAR TO TRY SOMETHING NEW. IF YOU ARE UNHAPPY AND UNSATISFIED IN YOUR MARRIAGE OR AT YOU JOB THEN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. TAKE A NIGHT COURSE AT A COLLEGE, GO TO A SEMINAR AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR SITUATION INSTEAD OF JUST GRIPPING AND COMPLAINING ABOUT IT. ULTIMATELY YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE A RISK. NOW I’M NOT TALKING ABOUT FOOLISH RISK BUT CALCULATED RISK. AFTER SEEKING GOD AND HIS WILL AND THE COUNSEL OF GODLY PEOPLE YOU CAN STEP OUT BY FAITH IN A NEW DIRECTION.

[S] Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Proverbs 15:22 (KJV)

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

WHEN GOD PLANS FOR YOU TO DO SOMETHING NEW HE DOESN’T GIVE YOU ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED. HE DOESN’T PLAN EVERY DETAIL AND EVERY STEP YOU TAKE BECAUSE THAT WOULDN’T REQUIRE ANY FAITH AND DEPENDANCE ON HIM. HE SHOWS YOU JUST ENOUGH TO GET STARTED AND THEN YOU MUST STEP OUT BY FAITH AND TAKE A RISK. THAT’S WHY WE SPELL RISK F-A-I-T-H!

[s] Dale Carnegie "The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore."

Marva Collins "Success doesn't come to you…you go to it." AND THAT’S EXACTLY THE IMPULES PETER HAD WHEN HE SAW JESUS WALKING ON WATER.

[S] Matthew 14:24-29 (MsgB)

Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. [25] At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. [26] They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror. [S] [27] But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid." [28] Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water."

[29] He said, "Come ahead." Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus.

I’M NOT SO SURE THAT PETER THOUGHT THIS THROUGH BUT WHEN HE SAW JESUS WALKING ON WATER HE WANTED TO GIVE IT A TRY. SO HE ASKED JESUS IF HE COULD COME OUT TO HIM ON THE WATER. AND GUESS WHAT? HE STEPPED OUT BY FAITH, TOOK A RISK AND ACTUALLY WALKED ON WATER. NOW HE BEGAN TO SINK WHEN HE TOOK HIS EYES OFF OF JESUS BUT HE DID WALK ON WATER. LISTEN I’D RATHER TRY SOMETHING AT JESUS’S COMMAND AND FAIL THAN TO NOT TRY AT ALL. YOU MIGHT SAY, THE LAST TIME I SAW CRAIG HE WAS HEADED TOWARDS JESUS. I’D RATHER FAIL HEADING TOWARDS JESUS THAN SITTING IN THE BOAT OF COMPLACENCY. YOU SEE THE GREATEST FAILURE IS THE FAILURE TO TRY! SO DARE TO TAKE A RISK AND STEP OUT BY FAITH AND TRY SOMETHING NEW!

GOD IS MORE INTERESTED IN YOUR FUTURE THAN IN YOUR PAST. SO LET’S MAKE A FRESH START AND REACH FOR THE STARS. never give up! The best is yet to come.