Avoid a Fall into Failure

Failure and defeat are as much a part of life as are success and victory. As a child I had difficulties learning to read, spell and articulate. Remedial reading programs did not exist, but by the fifth grade I had taught myself to read. Today, these issues are diagnosed as a form of dyslexia.

While some failures and defeat are beyond our control, others are caused by inattention or irresponsibility. Pride is often used an excuse to compensate for a weakness that has in its composition the ingredients for failure. Pride prohibits confession of weaknesses for fear of revealing hidden feelings of inferiority.

Sampson’s pride barred him from admitting personal weaknesses. This attitude laid the foundation for his undoing and disgrace. Proverbs 11:2 warns, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Isn't it wonderful that humility and wisdom are safeguards against pride? Make humility your priority so God can bless you with wisdom. 

____________________

Before his downfall a person's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

~Proverbs 18:12 Christian Standard Bible

The Lord guides us in the way we should go and protects those who please him.

If they fall, they will not stay down, because the Lord will help them up.

~Psalm 37:23-24 Good News Bible

_____________________

Subscribe to the Attitude Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week. 

Choose to Control Your Weaknesses: God Will Help - Part 3

I appreciate the Apostle Paul’s honesty in owning up to his weaknesses. He confessed to doing the things he did not want to do and being unable to follow through on what he knew was right. Yet he could declare that where sin abounds, God's grace abounds even more, but then question, "Shall we sin deliberately so God’s grace might more abound?” He answers, “Absolutely not."

Weaknesses exist in each person, but allowing a weakness to dominate opens the door for evil to lay siege to the heart and mind. Consider Balaam’s attitude in Numbers 22. He knew what God required from him, but allowed the desire for social prestige and financial wealth to rule his choices.

When we try to hide or deny our weaknesses, a danger exists of their influence gaining power. The Apostle Paul petitioned God to take away his thorn in the flesh, which he identified as a weakness. God said His grace was sufficient to compensate for any weakness. God assured Paul that His power was made perfect in weakness. Isn't that good news?