failure
"When He comes, however, being the Spirit of truth He will guide you to all truth." —John 16:13
For many, this Easter season has been fantastic. Others have been discouraged. They may feel like Paul after his failure at Athens. When Paul started speaking to the Athenians about Jesus' resurrection, some interrupted and sneered at him. Others brushed him off, telling him to come back some other time (Acts 17:32). Although a few did become believers, this was the worst response in the Bible to Paul's preaching of the gospel.
You also may feel like a failure. You may feel like quitting and going back into the fishing business with Peter (Jn 21:3). The Lord is not calling you to quit His ministry but quit your discouragement. "For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God bestowed when my hands were laid on you. The Spirit God has given us is no cowardly spirit, but rather One that makes us strong, loving, and wise" (2 Tm 1:6-7).
The Holy Spirit is our Paraclete, Helper, and Advocate, the One at our side. We need not focus on circumstances around us but on the Spirit within us. We don't need to change churches, ministries, or spouses. We need the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Father, thank You for turning even my failures to Your honor and glory.
Promise: "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now." —Jn 16:12
Praise: With the intercession of his prayer group, George fought off his temptations to commit suicide.
Reference: (Pray that the Holy Spirit inspires you to teach the Bible. Order our audio or video tapes on the Bible Teachers Series. Our eight tape audio series starts with AV 5A-1. Our four-part video series starts with V-5A.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, November 15, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 16, 2001