January 10, 2022 - Failure is only fatal when you allow it to be final…

Well, we are 10 days into the new “season” of 2022… and I wonder how many resolutions have already been broken? How many gym memberships are already going unused? How many brownie cupcakes and sugar cookies have already been eaten? (Oh, I got personal there…) 

The reality is that most new year’s resolutions fail because there is a difference between a true resolution and just a dream. The mere term “resolution” has as its core the word “resolute”; this means to be purposeful, determined, unwavering…

·         “purposeful’ carries the imperative that your “why” has to be strong!

·         “determined” involves a key element of research and calculation… it involves a plan!

·         “unwavering” because a “what” without a strong “why” allows for weak excuses!

Coach Wooden said this: “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.”

I think it is good to make resolutions and desire change… and I believe it is important that I add an additional thought to Coach Wooden’s maxim… Failure is only fatal when you allow it to be final…

First take a look at God’s love for us… demonstrated in “that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Let’s then, out of gratitude, take a look at our own personal “play” and how we are helping the “team”… let’s renew our purpose to love God and love others… let’s determine a plan to “go MAD” (Make A Difference) today… and let’s “play strong!”

Check out how The Message paraphrase shares what Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet, said: “Let’s take a good look at the way we’re living and reorder our lives under God.” (Lamentations 3:40)

You may have messed up… and in your mind failed… if so, you need to hear something else Jeremiah said in that passage: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed (failure is not fatal), because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Isn’t it a great reminder that God is resolute!