Success or Failure?

Much of our walk with God is learned by "OJT", On the Job Training, while we handle and even struggle with the challenges of life. In the middle of turmoil and struggles, we yearn for "success" and that "more than abundant life" that is available in Christ. What I write here, I have lived. What I write here I learned in the middle of distressing struggles. The purpose of this essay is to strengthen the reader and encourage you in your walk with your heavenly Father.

Think of what is commonly understood to be a "success" or a "failure". What has to happen for you to be considered a "success"? Now, think again. Understand for once, that both "success" and "failure" are events, not a person! What is your standard for success, or for failure? Is your standard true, is it biblical? Let's see!

Consider Jesus Christ, for example. Jesus declared that his very nourishment, his food was to do the will of God and to FINISH his father's work (John 4:34)

By all standards of "success" that are taught in the world, including religion, the life of Jesus would be judged as an abject failure, especially as he hung on the cross. Yet, Jesus knew better! As he died, he declared "IT IS FINISHED"!!!! He had completed his assignment, the work that his father gave him to do. He completely accomplished our redemption! Yet, looking with our eyes, our 5 senses, examining his circumstances at the time, he was nothing but a "failure". Was he suffering, was he in great pain? Yes he was, yet, in spite of the circumstances, in spite of his experiences, he completed his assignment. "IT IS FINISHED" was a cry of victory!

Read the book of Jeremiah. Rejected and mistreated, some would judge his ministry to be a miserable failure. Yet, it was not - he was a success, regardless of the response of those he ministered to.

Here is something I learned in the middle of very difficult circumstances. It was hard for me to learn, at the time.

Towards the end of his physical life, Jesus told his disciples to "…take heart; I HAVE overcome the world…" (John 16:33). His disciples didn't believe what they heard then, and very, very few believe this now. Few people really believe what he said here:

John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. (ESV)

Just WHO ARE WE? We are children of God! Do you expect perfection from young children? No, but you can expect them to do their best. As they grow, you can expect them to grow in their skills, too. For some children, it is only when they are adults that the fruits of their training and efforts begin to be realized.

Thus, I boldly make the following declaration to you, regarding every born-again disciple of Christ (including you and me):

IN CHRIST, THERE IS NO FAILURE, NO DEFEAT! IN CHRIST THERE IS ONLY VICTORY!

I don't blame you if you find this to be an incredulous statement. I'm sure every one of us can point to many examples of our "failures". However, do such examples stand up to spiritual evaluation and scrutiny? I think not. Have you not read:

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV)

Isn't Christ returning for us, aren't we going to be gathered together with him?

The events, labors, and impacts of our lives are NOT concluded until we personally stand with our savior, clothed in our new bodies at his return! The story of your life is not finished yet - not by a long shot! WE CANNOT make an accurate or complete evaluation of our labors yet! That will be done only AFTER Christ returns!

I have known disciples who twist the truth to surrender to discouragement, and become inactive. They conclude that victory is in Christ, so they don't have to do anything. Don't be deceived, as the exact opposite of surrender is intended!

1 Corinthians 15:57–58

[57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

[58] Therefore (because victory is given to us), my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, KNOWING (all doubt and questions dispelled) that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (ESV)

The kinetic power of God, expressed in the manifestation of holy spirit, specifically faith, is what enables us to actively participate in this victory, right now, today!

1 John 5:4–5

[4] For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. [5] Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (ESV)

Keep walking with your heavenly Father. Let HIM take care of the "accounting" and the "score", as we keep our eyes on our elder brother, Jesus Christ. In Christ, because of his victorious accomplishments, the absolute TRUTH is this: YOU ARE VICTORIOUS TOO!

2024 Keith Radcliffe