How to Start Again after Failure

Start Again

As I packed up everything in the house to move to Springfield; I realized I was moving forward to start again.  How many times had I done just that?  Why could I believe that this time would be any different?  Recently divorced, feeling like a failure, while at the same time recovering from a year and a half battle with ulcerative colitis.  The yearlong high doses of steroid had wreaked havoc on my body and my spirit.  Now, after surgery to remove all my colon, I was left with the task of marching on while facing the withdrawal of steroids.  Not an easy task when fatigue overwhelms you. Behind me lay all the guilt; perhaps, most the feelings that I had failed God.  Moments of feeling like a champion of faith mixed with the opposite feelings of having failed. Now I had to find the way to start again.

Throughout the cancer and the fighting with illness, I had learned to arise early each day to be alone with God.  That was how I made it through and I knew God would be with me through it all.  I gained a lot of strength from reading Paul’s letters: God’s word spoken to guide me through.

 

GRACE TO START AGAIN

Particularly in those moments of defeat, I must remember God’s Grace is there to lead me on.

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

I had to learn not to look behind at either the accomplishments I had made, nor in the failures.  Either one would paralyze me from focusing on Christ.  Focusing on my own failures or accomplishments meant that I took my focus off Jesus and placed my focus on me.  My hope to stand depends on how closely I focus on Jesus Christ, His grace.

START AGAIN, ANEW

So, off I went to start anew; eyes focused on Jesus.  Little did I know that God would ask me to move twice more over the years; however, His plan has proven the best.  Each time, my focus grew clearer and I knew God lead the way.

You see, God’s mercies are new every morning.  He never lets go and will even take all your failures and transform them into good; as you turn your eyes to Jesus, the Author and finisher of your faith.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, if you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

CONCLUDING TWEETS:

[tweetthis]This I have learned: God’s Plan is best-no matter what[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]When you must start again, forget what is behind and focus on Jesus[/tweetthis]

 

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this write?  So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling.  If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written:  You can find a link at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash The inscription I added.

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