This chapter was EXACTLY what I needed, right after writing my last post. I have been feeling like victory is so fleeting. I have been feeling tired out from the battle...from losing so many battles.
To know that this PRESENT moment counts is awesome. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. (Phil 3:12) That resonates.
On page 94 the question is asked, "Have you been...beating yourself up for your lack of success?"
And my answer is a resounding "YES!" I feel like I have the knowledge of how to experience God's victory in this area, but feel unable to make real lasting progress. However I guess I need to re-examine what progress is. In Sheila's words in TW (pg95) she says, "I'm not a failure, but a work in progress." This has been my motto...which I guess I need reminding of once again. My life, as long as I am alive on this earth, will ALWAYS be a work in progress!
Here are a few quotes that stuck out to me...
Through his eyes, perceived failures become opportunities. TW pg 95
Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. (Denis Waitley) TW pg 95
Failure is not something we are. Failure is something we do. TW pg 96
We are God's saints by calling, who fail. TW pg 98He knows we will fail even before we do, but it is not His will that we fail without benefiting or maturing in some way from the experience. TW pg 99
You must not try harder; you must strive less. You must acknowledge your helplessness and total dependence upon the Spirit for your guidance, your area of service, and your ability to love. You are created for good works, but they must flow out of your abiding communion with the Living vine. God's grace is more than a pardon; it is a constant, ever-flowing provision, a reassuring presence and an incredible power. TW pg 99
Each of these quotes cut right to my heart and lifted my spirits and encouraged me to continue pressing on, forgetting what was behind...though of course not forgetting the lessons learned.
I realize the importance of not allowing these failures to be wasted. Each of these moments of failure are learning opportunities disguised as failures. If I ignore the opportunity to actually grow and learn from them, my growth will be slow going, as I have to keep on learning the same lesson over and over again. If I focus on the renewing of my mind, by God's truth and grace each step of the way, then I will begin to be transformed for His glory. So I press on:-)
The real question is not whether you are going to fail, but rather how you will respond when you do. TW pg 100In closing, here is a song that came to mind as I began this post.
HISTORY by Matthew West
(To listen to the song click here...no clue what the youtube video is about so you can ignore that and just read the lyrics below as you listen. The song starts at :30 and ends at 4:30)
Its been a bad day, you've been looking back
And all you can see is everything you wish you could take back
All your mistakes, a world of regrets
All of those moments you would rather forget
I know it's hard to believe
Let me refresh your memory
Chorus:
Yesterday is history
And history is miles away
So leave it all behind you
Let it always remind you of the day
The day that love made history
You know you can't stay right where you fell
The hardest part is forgiving yourself
But let's take a walk into today
And don't let your past get in the way
Repeat chorus
Yeah Yeah
Would you believe that you are history
In the making, in the making
Every choice that you are making
Every step that you are taking
Every chain that you are breaking
History is in the making
Every word that you are saying
Every prayer that you are praying
Every chain that you are breaking
History is in the making
History is in the making
History is in the making
Repeat chorus
Yeah yeah
Oh history is in the making
Every word that you are saying
Every prayer that you are praying
Every chain that you are breaking
History is in the making
History is in the making
History is in the making
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