Praying for Failure: How God's Will May Not Look Like Success
A practical Christian study of “Praying for Failure: How God's Will May Not Look Like Success,” with clear application for faith, relationships, and everyday life.
Season 8, Episode 21 · Praying for Failure - How God's Will May Not Look Like Success
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The story behind the idea
I couldn't find any records for this in real life, but let's say the highest anyone had ever gone was 15 feet. So the cameras roll and he takes off running at the wall and he gets the perfect jump and grip and propels and up he goes.
What stands out
If those things honor God, if they serve people, if they help you understand your purpose in life, and perhaps especially if it's rewarding and prosperous and amazing, I want you to have all of those things.
Why it matters
If God slams you in the nose so that you don't break every bone in your body, you will thank him for it. Imagine that, a life where great success and great failure put a smile on my face and cause me to praise God for his provision, for protecting me oftentimes from myself. To broaden this out a little bit, and I mix it in the illustration, I'm praying for this guy to get tripped up. I believe you have every right if your focus is on heaven, Christ, and the church and what's right to pray these things for others.
A faithful way forward
I've entered into a little project this year, just something I've always wanted to do, and that's take some exams that would make me a certified financial advisor. It's been kind of a neat little passion on the side throughout my life, but I'm very prayerful about defeat. Completely eradicate this from my desires and from the opportunities that are presented to me if it makes me less capable of honoring you and helping others.
Put it into practice
We can learn and we can grow, but pray for success if that will make everyone more like Christ and a support to another, but you've got to be willing to pray for failure. A young person goes, I've been dating this person for a few weeks and I think I really like them.
Take the idea with you.
- 01What idea from this study most needs my attention right now?
- 02Where does this challenge the way I am currently thinking or living?
- 03What is one faithful step I can take this week?
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