Fresh Start After FailureSample

How Can I Move Forward?

Life has its disappointments. When we experience those disappointments, we can be left feeling very discouraged. In these difficult moments, we can be tempted to give up on the dreams in our heart. The path ahead of us seems lost in the shadows of our failure. Yet even in our deepest disappointments, it is important that we get up and keep moving forward. But how? How do we find the strength to take another step and start afresh? The answer is trust—trust in the One who holds our future.

In today's passage, we are admonished to, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Our circumstances may not make sense, but we know that God sees the end from the beginning and He has a plan. As we cling to Him in faith, we can live each day knowing He will guide us through the most painful of failures and deepest of disappointments.

This passage also encourages us, “In all your ways acknowledge Him…” The word “acknowledge” means “to know intimately.” God is inviting us to walk particularly closely with Him in the times when our circumstances don't make sense. His promise is to “...direct your paths.”

As we spend consistent time in God's Word we get to trust and know Him. The more we know Him, the more we understand His ways and His rock-solid character. This supernatural trust is the very thing through which He is able to direct us on straight paths through the most difficult of places.

As you engage with God’s Word:

● What is God saying to me?

● What does it mean to me?

● How can I apply what God is teaching me?

● How can I be specific in prayer today?

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