Created for a Purpose in 2022Sample

DAY 11: The Illusion Of Loss

Today we’re going to talk about dealing with loss and failure.

When you begin to take action and move toward your goals and your purpose, these actions will create a sense of peace and joy in your life. This encouragement is a powerful way to confirm your destiny and keep you moving forward. But what happens when you move toward your goals and it doesn’t turn out as you expected. Do you become discouraged or feel like a failure, or do you pick yourself up and try again?

Think about what happened from God’s viewpoint. We learned from Romans 8:37 that you are more than a conqueror through God’s love and power. God also said in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate you from Him. So did you really fail? Or is it more likely that everything went according to God’s plan, but you didn’t understand how at the time? Romans 8:28 mentions God causes all things to work together for our good no matter how bad they are.

One thing I know is that when you run toward God and His purposes for you, you can’t lose – you can only win. However, sometimes the win may not look like a win to you. Is it really a loss if you lose a job taking you away from your purpose, or if you break off a relationship so you’re available when your true soul mate comes along?

God’s plans encompass a much bigger vision than we can ever imagine. While these events can be painful or frightening at the time, our experience of loss and feelings of failure is merely an illusion created by our limited understanding.

Takeaway: God’s plans encompass a much bigger vision than we can ever imagine. While some events can be painful or frightening at the time, our experience is merely an illusion created by our limited understanding.

Challenge yourself: Write down at least one time when you tried to do something to reach your goals, but things didn’t turn out as you expected.

• What happened?
• What were your thoughts and feelings associated with it?
• Looking back, how might the result have actually served God’s plans for you or others around you?

Question to consider: What would change if you absolutely believed everything that happens in your life moves you toward your purpose in God’s plan, even when you don’t understand how?