Timely sharing by Rick Warren
Monday, April 28th, 2008Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. Proverbs 20:30 (GNT)
No one’s life is an unbroken chain of victories.
five common causes of failure:
· When we don’t plan ahead – Proverbs 27:12 (LB) says, “A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them.”
· When we think we’ve “arrived” – Remember the lesson of the whale: just when you get to the top, and you start to blow– that’s when you get harpooned! Proverbs 16:18 (GNT) says, “Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance leads to downfall.”
· When we’re afraid to take necessary risks – The fear of failure can cause failure. We worry about what others will think of us if we fail, so we don’t even try. “Fear of man is a dangerous trap” (Proverbs 29:25 LB).
· When we give up too soon – Many times, success is just around the corner. Remember, the game is often won in the final seconds. The value of a postage stamp is found in its ability to stick to one thing until it gets there.
· When we ignore God’s advice – The Bible is our owner’s manual for life. It is filled with practical instructions and guidelines for work, home, finances, relationships, and health. When we fail to follow these, we’re asking for trouble. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12 NIV).
Failure is never final unless you let it be!
Be encouraged.
