[FEBRUARY 15] Defining Failure

Read: Hebrews 11:24-34

 

"Who through faith... out of weakness were made strong" 

--Hebrews 11:33-34

During the Great Depression, many people in the US lived in shantytowns made up of plywood, tarps, and blankets. These decrepit dwellings, known as “Hoovervilles,” housed those who had been evicted from their homes. Many blamed President Herbert Hoover for the economic woes.

Ironically, Hoover’s apparent ineffectiveness as a leader was in sharp contrast to his previous record. Earlier, Hoover’s expertise in geological engineering led to successful mining projects in Australia and China. He also effectively spearheaded humanitarian efforts. But when the stock market crashed in October 1929, President Hoover was in circumstances beyond his control. He would be forever tied with the economic depression of the 1930s.

One major fiasco, however, does not mean one’s whole life is a failure. What if we remembered Abraham only as a deceiver (Gen. 12:10-20), Moses as disobedient to God (Num. 20:1-13), or David as a murderer? (2 Sam. 11). Despite their sins, these men are remembered for their persevering faith: “who through faith... out of weakness were made strong” (Heb. 11:33-34). --Dennis Fisher

The lessons we learn from our failures
Are lessons that help us succeed,
And if we are wise and we hid them,
Then failure is just what we need. --D. De Haan

 

 

REFLECT ON THIS:

Success often rises out of the ashes of failure.

[JANUARY 16] Respect for Life

Read: Psalm 139:13-16

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" 

--Psalm 139:14

In Psalm 139, David describes God as fashioning his tiny body together in the darkness of his mother’s womb. God loved David before he ever existed.

God designed the person David was to be, and He brought that person into being according to His predetermined plan. In this psalm, David used the intriguing metaphor of a journal in which God first wrote His plan and then brought that plan into fruition through His handiwork in the womb: “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written” (v.16).

Put another way, David was shaped by his heavenly Father’s love into a unique creation. He came from the inventive heart and hand of God. What was true of David is true of you. You are special—along with everyone else in the world.

This being true, we must be pro-life in the purest sense of the word. We are to respect and cherish all human life: the born and those still in the womb; winsome children and weary seniors; the wealthy executive and the financially destitute. All persons are unique productions of our Creator’s genius. With David, let’s exclaim: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (139:14). --David Roper

By God's wise designing

We are wonderfully made,

Every part essential

And in every balance laid. --Anon.

REFLECT ON THIS:

All life is created by God and bears His autograph.