Retaining Joy In Failure

Good morning, my friend!  Good morning, Father!

“And because of their unbelief, he (Jesus) couldn't do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them.” - Mark 6:5

Lord, I have read this verse countless times without making the connection that just like us, Jesus experienced what we call “failure.”  While it likely grieved Him that the people lacked belief and were unable to receive the associated blessing, His self worth was not determined by His popularity or even what we would perceive as success or failure.  His source of fulfillment and delight were exposed in the words, “Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” - John 4:34. His joy and fulfillment came not from earthly successes, but in obedience to His Father, even unto death.

The son of a friend was once sitting on his father’s lap while my friend played the piano.  I watched little Michael as he put his hands on the keys as his father played.  At the age of three, Michael’s face burst into sheer delight when he mistakenly assumed that the music he heard emanating from the piano was in response to the movement of his own fingers, as opposed to those of his father.  Lord, our human nature ties our happiness to popularity, acceptance and what we interpret as success.  Your Word says that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17), yet we chalk up far too much of the good we encounter to our own success instead of giving honor to whom it is due.  Forgive us, Lord.  It is Your masterful hands on the keys.  We just have the joy of sitting on Your lap as You play.

Father, I lift my friend before You.  We ask for a change of perspective - a corrected definition of success.  Replace their definition -  the number of “likes” and “follows” on social media, party invitations, proposal acceptances, kudos and compliments.  Replace those vaporous determining factors with the bedrock factor Jesus used to measure success - obedience.  Lord, as they obey You, I ask that they would sense Your pleasure.  May giving You pleasure become the driving force for their every choice, and the desired reward for their efforts.  As they find their passion and joy in obedience, I pray that the acceptance of man as motivation falls away.  I ask for a teachable spirit, but that their heart in tenacious pursuit of obedience to You, would be insulated and undaunted by the insults and opinions of man.  I pray they remain steady in honoring others as fellow human beings imbued with value by their creator, but impervious to wounds inflicted by a creation whose genesis came from dust.  I pray they learn to value Your opinion above every other.   

Bless them today with a to-do list that has obedience at the top, and the fulfillment of every other task constrained, inspired and fulfilled, by and for, Your pleasure.  And may You be glorified in and through them, Father.  In Jesus Name ❤️

Dear friend, as you looking to receive fulfillment and acceptance through the approval of others?  Opinions are as numerous as there are people.  If we put all of our stock in the opinions of others, we will be taken on a tormenting rollercoaster ride of unnecessary ups and downs.  Why not set your goal on pleasing the One in the universe whose opinion matters the most?  Seek His pleasure and receive His favor.  (Isaiah 66:2)💡

If you have been encouraged or challenged, please repost!