Faith in the Face of Failure

The past nine months have rocked the national church scene with the revelations of past failures of notable leaders in the body of Christ. These revelations are heartbreaking for many and faith-shaking for others.

What is the proper response?

First, remember that God uses flawed people. Paul wrote, “We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV).

God uses people—flawed, broken, imperfect people. When God uses a person, it is not His endorsement of the messenger, the message, or the method. He simply works with people, and as long as He continues to do so, people will continue to fail. This is not to excuse failure but to remind us that our faith cannot be placed in man.

When a leader fails, don’t let that shake your faith in the Lord. Don’t let that cause you to doubt the truth they shared or the impact they had in your life. Those things belong to the Lord. He simply used a jar of clay to bring them to you. It’s a reminder that God is the one who gets the glory, and we don’t lift up men or women. Our confidence is in Christ alone.

Second, remember that though the earth may be shaken, God’s Kingdom is not! If God allows shaking, the purpose is always to remove those things that are imperfect so that the perfect can remain. Pay attention to what remains and don’t fight to hang on to what is removed. Let God do His perfect work.

Let me give you the framework I use for processing times of shaking:

1. Heartache

Sadness, shock, and grief are appropriate expressions when we hear news of failure or tragedy. What we do with those feelings is important. Take them to the Lord. Pour out your soul in prayer. Pray for those who are affected. Pray for those around them. Pray for your own heart that you would be made whole.

2. Humility

Take care not to let that heartache harden into anger or bitterness. In humility, pray and ask the Lord, “search my heart.” The temptation is always to join in with the gossip or outrage and to post your thoughts and opinions. There is no profit in this.

Remember that the Lord’s heart is always mercy and reconciliation. His Word encourages us to watch our words. Ask yourself:

– Does this personally affect me?

– Is it gossip?

– Is this helpful and healing?

– Does this encourage and edify?

– How will an unbeliever react to my words?

3. Honor

In all that you do, choose honor. Honor God and others with your words and actions. Our very lives are a reflection of our worship. Live in a way that honors and glorifies Jesus. 

Honor others with your attitude and actions. Yes, I can honor the decades of effective ministry of the leaders who made headlines this week, while not excusing sin. They’ve shared and written messages that have encouraged me. I’m grateful for that. I honor their impact and pray for their restoration. Likewise, I can honor those who have been personally affected by the failure of these leaders. I can intercede for them and pray that they find healing and restoration. Last I can honor His Church by praying for holiness and purity to be renewed in the pulpit and pews. Our communities need healthy churches!

I honor by refusing to speak evil of anyone and trusting God in everything.

Let me also add to this point to those who have been hurt in the past in the church and still carry that pain to this day. I know that you feel these stories in a different way. What happened to you wasn’t right. What you’ve carried for so long wasn’t yours to carry. We honor you by praying for you and being a safe place to share your story and walk the journey of total healing and freedom. You don’t have to do it alone.

4. Hunger

Finally, I process by hungering for a fresh move of God within the church. If God allows a shaking, then there is a purpose to the shaking. It’s an opportunity to see a return of the fear of the Lord in the church and a fresh fire within His people.

God is never idle. He is always ready to move on our behalf. We can position ourselves for times of refreshing by refusing to become bitter and angry. Instead, we should turn our hearts towards Him in humility and hunger for more of Him. We draw close to Him, and He promises to draw close to us.

My friend, don’t be shaken. Be stirred. Let your eyes look upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and hold fast to Him.

Know that you are in my prayers today.

Grace to You, 

Pastor

P.S. It’s Student Takeover Sunday! Our Ascend students are kicking off City Week this Sunday. We have 105 students who will be ministering throughout the community all week, and this Sunday is the beginning. This is a CANNOT MISS SUNDAY!