Pastor Scott Applegate
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” Proverbs 24:16a NIV
The Connection of Stress and Failure:
- Fear of failure is often worse than the experience of failure
- Fear of failure can cause you to be indecisive
- Fear of failure can cause you to be a workaholic
- Fear of failure can cause you to be a perfectionist
What Did David and Peter Have in Common?
- They were both men with hearts after God
“God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22 NIV
“Simon Peter spoke up, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus told him: Simon, son of Jonah, you are blessed! You didn’t discover this on your own. It was shown to you by my Father in heaven. So I will call you Peter, which means “a rock.” On this rock I will build my church, and death itself will not have any power over it.” Matthew 16:16-18 CEV
- They both had great failures and their failures caused them great stress
“My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.” Psalm 38:4 NIV
“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:75 NIV
- They both experienced God’s grace and growth on the other side of their failures
“Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.” 2 Samuel 12:13 NIV
(Peter) “Take care of my sheep and follow me…” John 21:15-19
What to Do When You’ve Blown It:
- Own up to it
- Don’t excuse it
- Trust God with it
- Learn from it
What to Remember When You Gave Your Best, but Your Best Wasn’t Good Enough:
- Failure is not a failed dream, but failing to pursue your dream
- Failure is not setting a goal and missing it, but failing to set one
- Failure is not falling, but refusing to get up
- Failure is often a perception, but success to God is faithfulness