Below are some additional interactions on the article: Failure is Not an Option. Read it first.
411:
From September 1991 to September 1993 scientists locked themselves inside Biosphere 2 and attempted to create and observe a completely self-sustaining eco-system. One of the most interesting things they discovered had to do with the trees and wind. To read one popular blogger’s take on it, take a look at this (specifically the Strength comes from struggle section).
Challenge:
The challenge for this week is simple. Well, it’s straightforward, it might be really difficult but, hey, that’s why we call it a challenge!
This week, each day, I want you to talk as openly and bluntly as possible to God. Reveal your heart to him, all your blemishes and faults. It’s important to learn what it means to be vulnerable and laid bare before God our King. It can be a strange and wonderful and revealing time but it takes some practice and lots of courage. I know you can do it!
Read this Scripture from Hebrews 4:12–16 each day before you begin:
The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves.
Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God—Jesus, the Son of God. Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. Let us have confidence, then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.
Audio:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Scripture:
Romans 8:1—This verse is a great one to keep on hand when the fear of failure seems to overwhelm your life.
Proverbs 20:30—Whether we like it or not, sometime failure is the only way to learn.
Psalm 46:1–3, 7—God is with us through all things.
John 14:1—Often a life driven by success is severely lacking in faith. Keep these words of Jesus in mind.
Proverbs 3:5–8
Small Group Guide:
Large Group Guide:
Life Questions:
- Make a list of everything in your life that you are afraid to fail at doing, big or small. Afterwards, divide them as evenly as you can by 7. Over the next week, spend at least ten minutes looking through the Bible, talking to God, and perhaps journaling or drawing. Consider ways God might be guiding you to change your approach to these “stressers.” Pay close attention to ways he might be asking you to change your attitude or outlook – it’s amazing how that can change everything!
- Look at the Supporting Scripture section and choose one of the short passages to memorize this week. Write it down and put in over your computer screen or taped in your locker. Carry it in your pocket or write it on your hand. Let that small truth seep into your heart and take root. It will only help.
LOL:
Speaking of failure…this cat obviously thought it was an option!
And then there’s this series of major failures in the following photos (excuse the low quality, most of these are mobile uploads):
Reflect:
Colossians 1:21–23a
“At one time you were far away from God and were his enemies because of the evil things you did and thought. But now, by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence. You must, of course, continue faithful on a firm and sure foundation, and must not allow yourselves to be shaken from the hope you gained when you heard the gospel.”
Consider what this verse says about how God transforms those who believe in him and follow him. Notice how in God’s eyes “Failure is not an option” means there is nothing you can ever do to make him stop loving you!
