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Failure doesn't define us, it refines us. Join Ralph Estep, Jr., as he discusses practical steps to keeping faith in failures during challenging times. Let's rise above failures together! Please share our Podcast with all your friends and...
Failure doesn't define us, it refines us. Join Ralph Estep, Jr., as he discusses practical steps to keeping faith in failures during challenging times. Let's rise above failures together!
Please share our Podcast with all your friends and family!
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EP 63 - Keeping faith in your failures
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Have you ever faced financial setbacks? Or experienced failures that made you question your faith. Have you felt like the failure you've experienced have weakened your resolve to stand strong in your convictions? Well, first of all, you're not alone. We've all felt this way. But today we're going to explore how you can stay strong in your faith. Even in the face of adversity. So grab your Bible, a pen and let's dive in.
Welcome back to another Sunday episode of the ask [00:01:00] Ralph podcast, where we take a spiritual tone. And explore a topic of faith. So today we have an important topic to discuss. Maintaining your faith during failures.
Failure is a universal experience. Whether it's a personal setback. A, professional disappointment. Or a dream that didn't come to fruition. We've all faced failures at some point in our lives. In those moments, it can be easy to lose hope. Question our abilities or even doubt the goodness of God. However. As people of faith, we're called to anchor ourselves in the promises of God and find solace in his word.
Let's begin by examining the life of Joseph. A man who experienced numerous failures and setbacks before ultimately fulfilling God's purpose for his life. In Genesis chapter 37 to 50. We read about Joseph's journey. Which included being sold in the slavery. [00:02:00] Being falsely accused and imprisoned and facing numerous obstacles all along the way. Yet through it all. Joseph maintained his faith in God. And eventually rose to a position of greater influence and power. One of the key verses that encapsulate Joseph unwavering faith is found in Genesis chapter 50, verse 20, where it says. You intended to harm me. But God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done. The saving of many lives. This powerful statement reminds us that even in the face of adversity, God can use our failures for his greater purpose. Joseph's story teaches us the importance of trusting in God's plan. Even when it seems like everything is falling apart.
Of course another biblical figure, which exemplifies unwavering faith during times of failures as the apostle Paul. Throughout his ministry, Paul faced countless challenges, including persecution. Imprisonment. [00:03:00] And rejection. yet he never wavered in his commitment to spreading the gospel and encouraging fellow believers. In second Corinthians chapter four, verses eight through nine.
Paul writes. We are afflicted in every way. But not crushed. Perplexed. But not driven to despair. Persecuted, but not forsaken. Struck down, but not destroyed. These verses remind us that even in the midst of our failures, God's power and grace are sufficient to sustain us. Paul's life teaches us that our faith can thrive. Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
So you might ask yourself, Ralph, how can we keep our faith during failures? I've got some guidance here.
Firstly. We must remember that failure does not define us. Let me say that again. Failure does not define us. Our worth and identity are ultimately rooted in our relationship with [00:04:00] God. Not in our accomplishments or lack thereof. We can find comfort in the words of the Psalmist chapter 73, verse 26, which says my flesh. And my heart may fail. But God is the strength of my heart. And my portion forever.
Secondly, we must embrace failures and opportunity for growth and learning. This is not easy folks. Rather than allowing our failures to discourage us.
We can choose to see them as stepping stones on the path of success. In the book of Proverbs chapter 24, verse 16 reminds us. For though the rightest fall seven times. They rise again, folks, we're going to fall. We're going to fail. But in Christ, we can rise again.
And lastly, we must surround ourselves with the support of community believers who can uplift us during these difficult times.
We can't do this alone. The book of Ecclesiastes, chapter four, verses nine through 10, says. [00:05:00]Two are better than one. Because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down. One can help the other up. And we need to work to find people to help us up and we need to help them up. Having a network of people who can encourage us. Pray for us. And offer wise counsel can make a tremendous difference in our ability to persevere through failures. The truth is as human beings, we are bound to encounter failures.
I've failed so many times. And we're going to have setbacks throughout our lives. It could be a failed relationship. A, business venture that didn't work out or a personal goal that fell short. In these moments it's natural to feel discouraged. It's natural to feel disappointed. Or even question the foundations of our faith. We've all been there. However it's precisely during these challenging times that our faith can truly shine and provide us with the strength. [00:06:00] And resilience. We need to persevere It's in these moments that we have an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and rely on his promises.
Now one powerful example in the Bible is the story of job. Sure. We've all heard of job. Job was a man who experienced an unimaginable suffering and loss.
He lost his wealth. His health. And even his family yet throughout his trials, Job never wavered in his faith. In the book of job, chapter 13, verse 15. He declares though. He may slay me. Yet will I hope in him. Job's unwavering faith in the face of extreme adversity serves as an inspiration for all of us.
Another great source of inspiration is found in the life of Jesus Christ himself. Jesus. The son of God, he faced rejection. Betrayal. And ultimately crucifixion yet, even in his darkest moments, he never lost faith in his father's plan. In the book of [00:07:00] Hebrews chapter 12, verse two, we are encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus. The pioneer. And the perfecter of faith. Who for the joy set before him endured the cross? He did a for us folks, scorning its shame. And sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus' example teaches us that even in the face of failure and suffering. We can find hope and purpose.
So you ask Ralph. How can we practically keep our faith during failures? This is not easy.
And these are things that I have gone through myself, and I'm sure you have as well.
Well, I'll tell you this one key aspect is to regularly engage in God's word, the Bible. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals like we've talked about today, who faced failures. And yet found redemption. And restoration through their faith. By immersing ourselves in scripture, we can find comfort. Guidance. And encouragement to navigate through our own [00:08:00] failures.
Additionally, prayer plays a crucial role in maintaining our faith during difficult times. Through prayer, we can pour out our hearts to God. Express our fears and doubts and seek his guidance and strength. That's when we need him the most. The book of Philippians chapter four, verses six through seven, reminds us. Don't be anxious about anything. But in every situation by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God. Which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ. Jesus. We can be comforted by that.
lastly, it's important to surround ourselves with supportive community of believers. By connecting with fellow Christians, we can share our struggles. Receive encouragement and be reminded that we are not alone in our journey. Listen, folks, we are all going through failures.
We are all going through tough times. We are all going through the similar things. We can. Work together and find comfort in [00:09:00] each other. The book of Hebrews chapter 10 verses 24 to 25, encourages us to consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up, meeting together as some are in and a habit of doing, but encouraging one another.
Keeping our faith during failures is a journey. You know, I always talk about journeys. That requires intentionality. Reliance on God's promises and the support of a community. Through the examples of biblical figures like job and Jesus we're reminded even in the midst of failure. God is with us. And he can turn our darkest moments into opportunities for growth. Transformation and ultimately triumph, we can find triumph in our failures folks.
We can do it. So let's hold on to our faith. Trusting God's plan and allow his grace to guide us through every failure we may face.
let's take a moment to pray.
Loving heavenly father. As we come to the end of our time together, we lift up our hearts in prayer. Grateful for the [00:10:00] wisdom and insight you've shared with us on the topic of keeping our faith during failures. We thank you for your presence in our lives. For your unwavering love and for the assurance that you never leave us nor forsake us.
That was your promise. Even in the midst of our failures. Lord, we recognize that failure can be disheartening and discouraging. It can break us. It can shake our confidence and test our faith. But in these moments, we turn to you. Knowing that you are ultimate source of strength and hope. Help us to anchor, our faith in you? Knowing that you have a perfect plan for our lives, even when our plans and efforts fall short. We pray for the grace to cultivate a mindset of gratitude. To see the blessings amidst the disappointments. And to find joy in the journey. Knowing that you work all things together for our good. Teach us to trust in your timing. And to surrender our failures into your hands. Knowing that you can bring beauty out of ashes. [00:11:00] And turn our setbacks in the stepping stones for growth. Lord.
We also ask for the wisdom to seek support from our fellow believers. Surround us with a community that will uplift us. Encourage us. And remind us of your faithfulness. May we willing to share our struggles. Our joys. And our concerns with one another, knowing that we can support each other and we are stronger together. As we face failures in various areas of our lives, whether in relationships. Careers. Personal goals.
We pray for the resilience to persevere. Help us to remember that failure does not define us. But rather as an opportunity for growth. Character development. And a deeper reliance on you. Give us the strength to press on knowing that you are with us every step of the way.
Finally Lord, we pray for your guidance and direction. open on our eyes to see the path you've set before us. Even when it may not align with our own [00:12:00] expectations. Give us the courage to surrender our desires and plans to you. Trusting that your ways are higher and your thoughts are greater than ours. We offer this pray with humble hearts. Trusting in your faithfulness and goodness may our, face shine, brightly. Even in the face of failures as a Testament to your grace and love. In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen.
I would like to encourage you to reach out to me by visiting our podcast site@askralphpodcast.com and joining our mailing list. Where we may share more with you as we release our daily shows. You may also purchase a copy of my latest book, the gospel of entrepreneurship, where I discuss how to live out your faith, not only in your personal life. But also in your professional life, truth is folks.
You don't have to check your Christianity at the door. It's who you are. And you don't have to hide it. The book is at askralphpodcast.com/store we're also starting a question in the month and we encourage you to leave us a voicemail message on the podcast site. [00:13:00] By clicking on the microphone at the bottom right corner. This month's question is what do you find is the most difficult part of creating and living by a budget? We need your answers by March 1st and we'll discuss the answers on the show in March.
So don't forget to leave your answers. Well, thank you for joining me on this extended exploration of keeping your faith during failures. I hope these insights and reflections have been helpful. And inspiring for you. Remember? No failure is ever the end of your story. With a strong faith as your anchor.
You have the power to rise above every setback. And embrace a future filled with hope. And purpose.
Until next time, may your faith continue to shine brightly? Even in the face of failures. God bless you. And as I always say, stay financially savvy. [00:14:00]
