Navigating through Broken Resolutions…and Life’s Failures

So, you failed again? Congratulations…you must be human! We all fail because of…well…more reasons than I can write in this short message. But it’s usually because we're trying to achieve a goal that’s beyond our immediate ability to reach. Obviously, some failures are benign and others can be malignant. Regardless of the severity of the consequences, there are some principles that apply to all failures. We’ll start with a simple New Year’s Resolution and work toward the more difficult issues.

1.    Cut Yourself Some Slack! A New Year’s Resolution should be more like a “General Guideline” than a “Do or Die rule.” A resolution is a life improvement or a personal goal that you are “WORKING” on during the coming year. That means it’s an on-going process. So, if you fail, don’t get discouraged or stop trying…just keep moving forward toward your goal.  
 
2.    You Can’t Talk Yourself Out of Something You Behaved Yourself Into!  You have to methodically change your behavior if you want to achieve your goal. Your behavior starts with your attitude (how you view life). So, to change your behavior, change the way you think. Yes, it’s a slow process, but we really do become what we think (Prov. 23:7).
 
3.    Maturity Is Learning to Recover From a Setback. That means you learn from your mistakes.  Thomas Edison is credited as saying, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work!” He also said, “Many of life’s failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Regardless of the nature of your failure, don’t give up trying!
 
4.    Try a Different Approach. Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Here’s something most people totally misunderstand…it’s the word “repent.” Literally it means to “change one’s mind for the better.” What if you changed the way you think about God? Rather than view Him as one who punishes you for messing up, see Him as your loving heavenly Father who wants you to succeed and who helps you to start over again. (That really is who He is and what He does.)
 
So, how do you navigate through life’s failures? Whether they’re big or small, the answer is…with God all things are possible. He knows every feeling you have…because He became a real human being and lived in a world of failure. And He still says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus is your divine “Undo Button” for those who trust in Him. He’s the only One I know who can turn a failure into a brand new start! Happy 2010!