LEARNING from FAILURE

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When many came to Jesus saying: "I will follow You wherever You go" (Luke 9:57), Jesus appeared to discourage them by emphasising the sacrifices and self-denial necessary. "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head" (Luke 9:58). "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me" (Luke 9:23). "…any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33).
 
The Immensity of the Task 
One of the most frustrating aspects of missionary work is the immensity of the task and the scarcity of the workers. As our Lord Jesus said: "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few …" (Luke 10:2). So many of those workers fail and give up - leaving the remaining workers with even more responsibilities and a greater burden.
 
Remain Steadfast
The Lord Jesus declared: "No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). Steadfastness and perseverance are essential for Christian service.
 
Revive your Love
To the Church at Ephesus, the Lord wrote: "Yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken your first love" (Revelation 2:4). "What can I do with you …your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears." Hosea 6:4. The writer to the Hebrews, speaking of the life of faith, writes: "But My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him" (Hebrews 10:38). A strong devotional life is an absolutely essential foundation for ministry.

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