Series: What You Started
Sermon: Failure to Launch
Scripture: Joshua 9:3-16, Joshua 10:1-9, Deuteronomy 7:1-4
Review
This week, we continued our What You Started series by exploring the tension between failure and faith. We focused on Joshua, the leader of Israel, who found himself in a catastrophic failure by making a treaty with the Gibeonites without seeking the Lord. This decision went against God’s clear instructions to drive out all the inhabitants of the Promised Land, and it put Israel in a difficult position.
Joshua’s story shows us that even great leaders face failure and that failure can have significant consequences. However, it also teaches us that failure does not disqualify us from God’s purpose. After his mistake in Chapter 9, Joshua sought the Lord in Chapter 10, and God not only forgave him but used the situation to give Israel one of its most significant victories.
Through Joshua’s story, we learned three key truths:
Failure does not disqualify us from God’s purpose. Joshua’s failure led to a seemingly impossible situation, but God used it to display His power.
Failure can propel us into greater faith. Joshua’s mistake forced him to rely on God in a new way, launching him into deeper obedience.
God’s grace is greater than our mistakes. When we seek the Lord after failure, He redeems our past and uses it for His glory.
Apply
-How have your past failures shaped your view of yourself or your ability to be used by God?
-Are there areas where you are trying to fix mistakes on your own instead of seeking God?
-What is one way you can step out in faith today, trusting that God can use your failures for His purpose?
Pray
Take time to thank God that he can use our failures for His purposes. Acknowledge the truth that God does not give up on us when we mess up. Ask the Holy Spirit for help in always turning to the Lord when you make mistakes.
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