Dream AgainSample

You Are a Winner

Abraham Lincoln is widely recognized as one of the most revered presidents in American history. As a leader, he stood tall and strong in a crucial, decisive time in our history. We certainly would regard him as a successful man, but did you know he actually experienced many failures throughout his life? When Abraham Lincoln went off to the Black Hawk War, he was a captain. Through no fault of his own, he returned a private—bringing an end to his military career. As a lawyer in Springfield, Illinois, he was told he was too impractical, too unpolished, and too temperamental to be successful.

Turning to politics, he was defeated in his campaign for the Illinois legislature. He was defeated in his first nomination for Congress and rejected in his application as Commissioner of the General Land Office. He was defeated in the 1854 Senatorial election and in his aspirations for the Vice Presidency in 1856. Finally, he was elected President of the United States and fulfilled his destiny—changing the course of the United States.

Lincoln's experience is the experience of many of God's people. The enemy of our soul comes to us after repeated defeats and whispers in our ears, “You're a failure!” He tells us we will never win, we are trapped forever where we are, and will never fulfill our God-given destiny.

In Romans 8:37, we read as believers in Christ that we are victorious. It says we are more than conquerors. What a vivid word picture—we are not just conquerors, but more than conquerors.

Abraham Lincoln was more than a conqueror. He didn't allow his failures in life to deter him from ever running for office again. Each failure propelled him to try again. He was a winner in heart and attitude. Once he was in office, he influenced the entire nation. Your failures are stepping stones to your future. Without failure, there is no success. Galatians 6:9 says, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we all reap if we do not lose heart.

As you engage with God’s word:

● What is God saying to you?

● What does it mean to you?

● What action step do you need to take?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.

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