Finding A Way Past Defeat
READY:
Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:18-19
SET:
As competitors, we will all inevitably face defeat. We’ll play an incredible game but still come up a little short. And the feeling can be crushing. In the aftermath of defeat, we look back and think about all the missed opportunities, mistakes or “almosts” that could have changed the result of the game. We can dwell in the past and allow it to affect our future. Many times our coach will say, “Don’t think about last game. It’s done. You can’t change the result. Focus on the future opponent and prepare for the next game.” This is what I love about being a part of my North Dakota State Bison Pride mentality, the ability to put the past successes behind and move forward and not rest on your past laurels. Achievements are already in the past and instead, we must maintain or advance our status, reputation and strive for new goals. Whether they are achievements or failures, we learn from them and move on and forget what was behind. I think this is a one key to continued success.
We must do the same thing in our spiritual lives. It’s easy for us to dwell on our past defeats, mess-ups or circumstances. But Jesus Christ desires us to look forward and not reside in the past. Sometimes it’s difficult to see where God is moving in your life in the midst of defeat, but He promises that He is doing something new and making a way through any trial or defeat.
Don’t let a crushing defeat – whether on the field or in your life – fool you. God is at work. Focus and examine to see where God is working in the details. Then expect that He will make a way in, a way out or a way through any defeat, wilderness or desert you may encounter!
GO:
How do you handle defeat?
In what ways can you change your perspective when faced with a touch circumstance?
How can God use your past defeats for His new plans for you as a competitor for Christ?
WORKOUT:
Philippians 4:13-14 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature (or there is a new creation); the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Colossians 1:9-14 (NASB)
9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
The Incomparable Christ
13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
OVERTIME:
Lord help me not dwell on the past but focus on where you’re working in my life and creating something new.
Isaiah 43:18
"Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. "Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.