Plans fail without proper advice; but with the right guidance, they come together nicely.

Proverbs 15:22

Are you being perceived as a failure? Have you failed at reaching your goals? If you have answered yes, do not despair, gather yourself as we look at the acronym F.A.I.L

The dictionary describes fail as, to disappoint or to be insufficient. How can you be described as insufficient when you consider your maker, God? The one who declared you as “very good” after creation. The one who creates perfection and made you in His image (Genesis 1:26). David in his praise to God affirmed this when he said, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made”(Psalm 139:14). With this in mind, you cannot be insufficient or a failure.

F.A.I.L as an acronym is Finding Alternative Instructions for Living. If you do not accomplish a task the first time, you are not inadequate or a failure. You need to have an alternate  instruction and to keep trying. You are not a failure. the plan or process did not work neatly and this is what needs changing. Work your way through the change options as the psalmist declared, “My mind and body may fail; but God is the rock for my mind and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26) Truly God is your rock. Take it back to Him and He will guide you.

Let us look at two examples of the classic definition of failure: First, the disciples went fishing, toiling all night without any catch. However, as they approach the shores as “failures with inadequate catch” they received an alternate instruction, “caste the net on the right side” Acting on this new instructions, they caught a great number of fishes and needed help in dragging the catch to the shore (John 21:3-13). The second story of failure is that of Naomi and her family. The family left for greener pastures but ended up loosing everything. Naomi heard that the Lord had visited her hometown and decided to work on the alternate instructions. She went home feeling dejected and asked to be called “Bitter” because of the failure and losses. Pursuing the alternate instructions she became a grandmother when Ruth gave birth to Obed (Book of Ruth).

What is not working in your life? Are you feeling inadequate? Are you feeling disappointed and dejected because your goals have not been attained? Remember your creator who instructed you to ask of Him. Seek His face for an alternate instruction. Follow his instructions and you will reap a harvest. A harvest that will bring glory to His name. Amen

Dr Rex