Failure vs. Triumph

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.” . . . The disciples did not understand. (Luke 18:31,34)

From the disciples point of view the ministry of Jesus was coming to a futile and disappointing end. They had failed to connect the dots and understand His crucifixion was the glorious unfolding of the plan foretold in the scriptures!

We can experience the same thing in our lives. Oswald Chambers writes “…what seemed to be failure from man’s standpoint was a triumph from God’s standpoint, because God’s purpose is never the same as man’s purpose.”

Our starting point on the journey of discipleship is not asking God “How could you let this happen!” but instead asking Him “What is the purpose of this happening in my life?”

Don’t assume that what looks like failure, disappointment, or heartache wasn’t known by God – He knew it was coming and has His purposes working for you and your good even when we can’t see it. Nothing is a surprise to Him, and nothing catches Him off guard. Understanding that is key to our daily peace and joy in the midst of the chaos unfolding around us.

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

“…for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING” (Isaiah 46:9-10)

Trust in Him today, even in spite of what looks like a storm that can’t be understood. Also remember this while looking around you and seeing the events of the world: Even if everything look like it’s going wrong, your eternity is secure.