lately, i've been thinking a lot about the concept of being defeated. it's always unwanted, isn't it?
it has the ability to stop us before we even get started. it tells us we can't keep going, we can't keep trying. it keeps us from our potential and what amazing things could be...
defeat isn't something that i welcome with open arms, but the more i read scripture, the more i realize that defeat can sometimes be more beneficial than victory. i know it sounds crazy, right?
when i think about the times i've felt defeated recently, the times that i came to the end of myself, the times i tried everything i could to succeed, were the times i found myself at the feet of my gracious Savior.
asking, wondering, pleading for His help, my defeat brings me to a place of unique humility... where i realize i can't do it alone, i can't do anything without Him.
"when He had stopped speaking, He said to simon, 'launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.'
but simon answered and said to Him, 'Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word i will let down the net.'
and when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.
... when simon peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, 'depart from me, for i am a sinful man, O Lord!'
... and Jesus said to simon, 'do not be afraid. from now on you will catch men.'"
[luke 5:4-10]
defeat isn't the end of me, it won't destroy me - it doesn't have that kind of power on its own, it's fueled by the power that i give it - no, defeat is just another opportunity for Jesus to show His power, His grace, His redemption, and maybe even a new direction He wants to take me.
if you're feeling defeated in any area of your life, i just want to encourage you to keep going!! keep trying! keep persevering!
praying that you hear His voice on the shore of your defeat, and experience His power as you launch into the deep, and those nets that were once empty now burst with victory.
xo!
ashley
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