Psalm 90:4

"For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night." Psalm 90:4

Past failures and successes can be an incredible hindrance to our growth. It does not matter that they are on opposite ends of the spectrum. They affect our psyche in different ways but with the same result. How do they manage to do this?

Failures of the past inhibit our morale. Discouragement sets into our bones, especially if it was a major trial/tribulation. The little trials set multiple hooks of discouragement into the soul. One way or another, the soul is going to be weighed down. Lead weights are tied to our spiritual walk and growth. We are slowed to a snail's pace if any pace at all! One thing should be kept in the forefront of the mind! "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23 We cannot let failure drag us down. God knows we will make mistakes, and He gave us a command! "Repent, and turn yourselves from all you transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" Ezekiel 18:30B-31 Cast away the shackles of old failures and new ones. Do not let them sink you in self-pity!

Success can be an even greater obstacle. It can turn into a slow acting poison! The first mindset is that all the blessings and victories are of God. Over time, Satan uses pride to poison us! He makes us think that we are capable of doing it on our own and it was all OUR success anyways! I got knocked down with this around the middle of the year. I slid into sin. My writing took an abrupt turn. It was a dark kind of writing, that writing which I could muster up on my own. The epitomy of writer's block set up in my head. Change the name to sinner's block! Jesus broke through the clouds and showed me the error of my ways. I had never realized how much my writing depended on the Almighty! He is everything IN and TO my writing. Success doesn't have to be popular success(with everyone knowing)! It can be in your head. The pride of life striking its way to the core of your soul. Pride strikes and filters its way in through any number of cracks in our Godly armor(Ephesians 6:13)!

Success and failure are equally destructive. Success lifts you up to create a bigger fall. Failure already has you down on the ground, wallowing in guilt. Either way, a pity party is likely to come out of either ordeal. One thing must be kept in mind. God is the foundation of our success and victories; He is the forgiver of our failures. Whether we succeed OR fail, He loves us nonetheless. Whether it be pride or self-pity, God gives us a destination for these Satan induced emotions! "He will turn again, he will have compassion on us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:19 Leave your baggage at the door, and walk free in Christ!

kenny