Practical Pastoring: Failure - Conclusion

Karrie and I have two toy poodles. We have a thirteen-year-old black poodle named Gigi and a fourteen and a half year old white poodle named Murphy. Murphy came under our care after our neighbor suffered a brain injury and could no longer keep her dog. Murphy has been around our family for a number of years, but has only been officially adopted for three years following our neighbor’s death.

Murphy had to learn how to assimilate into our family and get along with Gigi. He had to learn not to make messes inside our home. Murphy also had to learn how to relax when we hold him. He has experienced travel and camping. With diminishing eyesight, he has the energy of a puppy. As an older dog he is learning new tricks.

I share Murphy’s adoption story to encourage you. When you decide to go on with God, you may experience changes in your life. Old patterns and behaviors change as the Holy Spirit loves on you and teaches you all things. God will be gracious with you through accidents or misbehavior. The Bible teaches us that a righteous man cares for the needs of his animals. God cares for the needs of His sheep much more than we care for the needs of our animals.

When I am walking my dogs, the leashes frequently become tangled around various items and Gigi and Murphy find it difficult to get untangled. I have to help free them. When we entangle ourselves in messes, God has to set us free. The process is humbling. Realize we will remain stuck unless God moves on our behalf.

Recognize balance in the message of failure. People relate to our failures, struggles, and difficulties in life. God’s power shows up best in weak people. Out of our brokenness the anointing of the Holy Spirit flows to bless others.

I define humility as strength under control. The Bible encourages us that though a righteous man falls seven times the Lord picks him up each time. From the pulpit, I share many of my failures with the intent of encouraging others to persevere in order to obtain the victory in Jesus.

The goal is not to find or seek failure. The goal is to be free and whole in Christ Jesus. Failure is a tool that can help us develop into the people God desires we become. As we obtain victory over sin, flesh, carnal thinking and even our ideas and plans, we can then submit our entire lives to Him. Encourage others to do the same.

Some Christians go from heartbreak to heartbreak and disappointment to disappointment. They know the scriptures, yet choose to harbor bitterness and unforgiveness in their hearts because of the things that have happened in their lives. But for the grace of God, you and I will become bitter rather than better when we go through trials. We will become victims rather than victorious Christians. We might not be able to avoid many of the life situations that we encounter. We can avoid allowing a root of bitterness to take hold in our hearts. Bitterness can choke out the best God has for us.

When I look at the cross, I first see the crucified Christ. He looks defeated. Then I look closer and I see the risen Lord. He is seated at the hand of the Father. He intercedes for you and me.

God has resurrection in store for you and me. Before resurrection comes death. Failure is a tool leading to the death of our flesh and resurrection of what God wants to thrive in our lives. Let’s continue to trust that Father knows best. Like Job may we say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him,” Job 13:15 New King James Version.

Kevin Barsotti

Ark Church

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This article is part of “Practical Pastoring: Mentoring Growth Letters from a Senior Pastor to a New Pastor, Book Four.” The author responds to his pastor’s letters from twenty years ago when he began his pastoral journey.