Isaiah 43:19, “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.” (MSG)
Thomas Edison had 1,000 failed attempts before successfully inventing the light bulb. Why did he keep pursuing his dream? Because he had a different perspective. He once told a reporter, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” What if he had let perceived failures block him from his God-given dream?
The Bible is full of people who God used in powerful ways, despite their failures. Abraham formerly worshiped idols. Jacob deceived his own brother. David committed adultery. Peter, a temperamental hot-head, denied knowing Jesus and Paul was responsible for putting Christians to death. God renewed these fallen individuals and used them to carry out His dreams. Today is no different! God uses people with past failures to create paths toward the future for His purpose. As He does, He deposits dreams and ideas into countless lives that bring renewal and hope for a brand-new tomorrow. So, don’t be dismayed or think you’re disqualified from being used for God’s greatness. Instead, use your past failures as springboards to catapult you into a future far greater than you ever asked, dreamed, or imagined!
Stop and take note of how far you’ve grown in your walk with God. Now, write a letter to your future-self, promising not to allow your past failures to block you from doing great things in your future.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for not giving up on me. I know that, despite my past mistakes, You have greatness planned for my future. Help me leave the past behind, take the ideas and dreams You’ve given me, and use them for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.