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Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Why Does God Allow Us to Fail?

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Charles Stanley

Romans 8:29-30

Yesterday we noted how the Lord at times works our circumstances to humble us. By doing so, He reveals how dependent we are on Him for victorious living. This is how He eliminates the idol of self-effort from our pursuit of holiness. It is also His way of achieving other purposes in our lives.

Our heavenly Father has more in mind than simply exposing the weakness of our flesh—that is simply a means to something greater. He intends to put us on display for all eternity as examples of His grace and goodness. He wants the angels to see the body of Christ and stand in awe before this dazzling demonstration of His handiwork.

What would you and I need to do to qualify for this purpose? Is there any way we can possibly understand the full scope of His designs for our lives? What must be done so that we may live in the fullness of everything He has in mind for His children?

We don’t have all the answers to these questions. As a result, we have difficulty understanding why God at times allows us to fail. If we could only see the glorious final product He has in mind, we would gladly abandon our self-effort and yield to His transforming power. But instead, we often insist on doing things our way. And as long as we remain in this mode of thinking, God will allow us to fail.

There’s a better way. It is simply to live by faith, trusting the Holy Spirit within us every moment of every day to conform us to the likeness of God’s Son Jesus Christ.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – The Rule Book

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Almost ppt_seal01every new gadget or appliance comes with operating instructions. So long as the rules are followed, successful use is assured. The guidance is not always clear – consider a novice with an electronic notepad – and one might wish the author of those directions was there to interpret.

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.  Psalm 119:30

How incredibly fortunate Christians are that God has placed within each one the Holy Spirit to interpret His rule book. Yet, as the first part of today’s verse reminds you, following the Lord’s intent for your life is a matter of choice. How many parents have admonished their children over and again that choices have consequences? In the everyday movements of life, you are faced with the need to decide. God has set out His plan for victorious living, and you must search the Scriptures to know His instructions.

Above all, today’s verse says, choose to faithfully follow Him. Mirror the instruction book’s author by being merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6). Intercede on behalf of America’s leadership that they might learn from God’s holy Word and choose faithfulness for themselves – to the benefit of the whole nation.

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 5:12-22

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A Passion to Know Christ – Charles Stanley

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Philippians 3:3-11

Most believers know the essential facts about their Savior’s life, but few know Him well relationally. They’re so busy with activities and pursuits that they rarely think of Jesus until a desperate situation arises.

Yet those who know the Lord intimately have a continually deepening relationship with Him. He’s their top priority, and every possession, accomplishment, or pursuit is worthless compared to knowing Him. Consider the results of making Christ the passion of your life (Phil. 3:8-10):

Increasing hunger: “that I may gain Christ.” Even though Paul had an amazing relationship with Jesus, his passion was so great that he wanted to know Him more.

Changed life: “the righteousness which comes from God.” The more we know Christ, the more we’ll mature spiritually and display His righteousness.

Increased capability: “the power of His resurrection.” The Spirit’s power flows through those intimately related to Jesus.

New perspective: “the fellowship of His sufferings.” When we understand Christ, we recognize the benefits He works in us through our suffering.

Victorious living: “being conformed to His death.” Christians who know Jesus intimately count themselves dead to the sins that once dominated their lives.

Is your life characterized by a deep, abiding passion for Christ, or is your relationship with Him shallow and mechanical? Believers must not let the pleasures, opportunities, and responsibilities of this world rob them of the treasure of knowing Jesus. It’s time to count it all as loss and pursue Christ.