Recently, we published "To Fail Is Not To Be A Failure." I encourage you to read that article - or take a listen. It featured the life of Abraham Lincoln. He failed many times. But he wouldn't give up. And he refused to think of himself as a failure. But today we consider a unique twist on failure. If you've embraced - "I'm a failure" - you need to know how to rise up when you're down.

There are many reasons for being down. 

But another scenario causes being down: thinking you're a failure. Sometimes, that's not even intentional. 

People engage new ideas and tactics - just to rise up. But they feel empty, powerless, and hollow. Even fake. Interestingly, their view of themselves affects their choices. Consequently, they often end up in unhealthy cycles.

But - anyone can rise up when you're down.

Often people see themselves as failures because they don’t feel valued - or loved. Yes, people need to be valued, loved, and encouraged. But, the good new is - you don't need to worry about value and love anymore. Why? Because people don't determine your value. God does. He secured your value forever. Plus - He loves you with everlasting love.

A special perspective is needed to rise up when you're down. This perspective flows from Christ's Love and Lordship. The strongest Jesus followers throughout centuries talk often about God’s Love and Lordship. 

Personally, I've found help by exploring God’s Love and Lordship. With this perspective, it's easier to trust Jesus and not cave-in to doubt and fear - or what others think. 

By the way - doubt and fear are enemies of your value. But, they are friends of "being down."

Having experienced both failures and successes, I'd like to share from my own life. Incidentally, I've noticed my perspective makes a difference "if" and "how" I move forward.

I thought I knew about God's Love and Lordship before I got truly honest many years ago.

I kept doing what I didn’t want to . . . and couldn’t seem to permanently do what I was supposed to. Talk about frustration! Seasoned believer and all! I felt like a fake.  

During those early years of my Christian walk, I identified with what Paul wrote in Rom. 7:18b and 19. "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing."

Finally, I decided to simply trust God like Job. Incidentally, he said, “Even if You kill me, I will trust You.” (Job 13:15) Actually, that's quite a statement. Have you ever said anything like that to God?

I also decided to adopt the prayer of a man in Mk. 9:24 – “I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief!”

There is a connect point between God’s Love and Lordship.