“NO, YOU HAVE NOT FAILED”

THE VERY THING YOU THOUGHT WAS A DEFEAT, GOD SAYS WAS A VICTORY…
(A Biblical Perspective by Al Thomas)

I strongly sense many people are feeling like they failed God. Many are being pushed around by Satan’s lies concerning (supposed) barren years and lost opportunities. Others feel time has slipped through their fingers, having missed the ‘moment.’ Yes, sometimes we do fail, but more than often the enemy convinces us we have blown it when we have not. Recently a dear lady e-mailed Sherry and me concerning the time my mother lived with us: “We know from our experiences in school, that many teachers grade their tests differently. The ones we think "I'm sure I failed that one", we get it back: "PASSED"! When we think about the Master Teacher, he grades his tests gently, I believe. There's more room for error, so to speak. The grading system is different than our human thinking and from His perspective, not ours. You may think you've failed some, but when you stand before Jesus, He will notify you: "PASSED!"

Some are about to get a revelation of their true situation from heaven’s viewpoint:

1. YOU ARE NOT “DEFEATED” - SATAN IS, YOU HAVE NOT FAILED – SATAN HAS…

Satan (for a short time) succeeded in making you feel like a failure. In your weakest moments you agreed with him. Now the real truth comes out like lighting from His clouds above: You passed the test (Matt. 25:21). Where the enemy had you thinking you were Demas ‘having loved this present world’ (2 Tim. 4:10) the Holy Spirit instead says, “This light affliction (which the enemy meant for evil) will allow you to recapture that resolve and determination that you thought was lost years ago…all is well my child.” Your heart leaps with hope. Heaven hints of more, the sun is rising.

2. WHAT YOU THOUGHT WAS A FOXHOLE IS ACTUALLY AN EAGLES NEST

No, you weren’t hiding in fear. You were simply waiting on God (Ps. 62:5). You’re smarter than you thought. You felt like you were being pursued by a monster, instead God was chasing you down for a blessing (Ps. 23:6). Now it’s all starting to fall into place. Those hellish, negative discouraging thoughts tormenting you now are transformed into compliments from heaven! Now that it all makes sense, you’re ready to comfort others in a similar state (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

3. INSTEAD OF A PAST LITTERED WITH FAILURE - REWARDS GO IN YOUR ACCOUNT

Now, instead of feeling little and insignificant you actually see the truth from God’s perspective: Great advance for the Kingdom of God was made. No longer berate yourself (that was the enemy) but instead start to hear the applause of heaven as you spontaneously give thanks to Jesus and all He has done for you (Col. 3:15). The enemy fooled you – but now he is revealed for what he really is: A lying, sneaky, deceptive foe who (God reminds you) is defeated and powerless because of the cross (Heb. 2:14). You sense freedom in your spirit coming (John 8:36). Joy awakens…you smile.

4. THINKING YOU BLEW IT BY WASTING ALL THOSE YEARS (AND EXPECTING TO BE CHASTISED) GOD INSTEAD SAYS “WELL DONE MY CHILD, YOU WAITED ON ME IN SPITE OF THE VICIOUS ACCUSATIONS BY THE ENEMY…YOU HAVE DONE WELL”

What you thought were barren years was instead God’s preparation for great accomplishments. Like a glorious light coming toward you, suddenly God’s marvelous plans are starting to become clear. You didn’t blow it…the enemy did. God was holding your hand the whole time (Heb. 13:5). Yesterday you randomly picked up the Bible and it always seemed to fall on verses speaking of punishment and condemnation…now you purposely turn to scripture confirming that you are loved (Deu. 33:27) and accepted with open arms. You’re not too late, but right on time (Phil. 1:6).

5. PREVIOUSLY CONVINCED YOU HAD FAILED, NOW HEAVEN OPENS UP BEFORE YOU

You now feel a glorious future before you. You’re convinced doors of blessing and opportunity are about to open. Discouragement is burned away like dew when the sun comes up. Where there was confusion and bewilderment, now there is clear sailing and calm seas (Mark 4:39). It’s like a dream…but it’s real. Satan is humiliated and shirks back knowing he can do nothing to stop the avalanche of God’s goodness coming your way (Ps. 31:19). An embarrassed devil (instead of just backing off) flees from you fearful he will get overrun (Luke 10:19). The truth of who you are is sinking in…a child of the King (Ps. 5:2; 84: 1-5). You not only feel relieved but once again happy and strong. You could fly (and your spirit does). You arise and are now strong, picking up (and dusting off) your weapons (Eph. 6:10-17). You sense that the Lord has not only restored your dignity, but given you the city (Eccl. 17:32b). You can go forth now, never looking back (Luke 9:62) only upward. Your vision is clear, your steps are firm and your soul has never been more on fire. That verse that previously seemed so hollow and distant is reverberating through your spirit: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). It even seems like your faith has faith. You’re back…and you’re not alone (Mark 16:20). Glory!