Catch the Vison


Failure by Kevin Stone


Te FEBC has a vision of every individual sharing the Gospel at every opportunity. But as individuals, we face several barriers. Tese barriers are the result of our own sinful nature, a corrupt, fallen world, and the efforts of Satan. Tey include things like fear, self-doubt, laziness, lack of concern and many more.


I think one of the biggest barriers to effective evangelism (or ministry for that matter) is


failure. We have failed morally. We have failed in our efforts to make an impact on others. We look back and see missed opportunities and less-than-impressive conversion rates. When we start to consider our failures, we deem ourselves ill equipped and unworthy to carry on with ministry. Satan beats us into submission with our failures, and we allow our perceived lack of worth to render ourselves completely ineffective.


Recently, a friend pointed out a seemingly small detail from the table converstion at the


last supper. Before Jesus predicts Peter’s betrayal, he says: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan de- manded to have you, that he might siſt you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22: 31-32).


Jesus was about to predict Peter’s failure. But before Jesus even told Peter how he would


fail, he said: “… When you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus understood how failure works. He knew that Peter would be so busy beating himself up aſter denying Jesus that he would likely avoid the ministry to which he was called. Essentially, Jesus said: “You will fail, but you will turn back to me. When you do, strengthen your brothers.”


I have failed. You have failed. We all fail. When we recognize our failure, we have a choice


to make. We can allow failure to cripple us, or we can strengthen others in spite of our failure. Oſten, we are better equipped to strengthen others because of our failure. We learn from fail- ure, we connect with others who are failing, and God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.


Brothers and sisters, you will fail. When you have turned again, strengthen others!


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Fellowship Focus, May/June 2020


FellowshipForward.org


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