Failure is not Final

Read Psalm 44.

It is easy to praise the LORD when everything is going well.  But what we think, say and do when circumstances do not turn out in our favor demonstrates our true faith.

In the middle of this Psalm we learn of a national defeat.  The enemy triumphed.  Embarrassment, confusion, and humiliation were the emotional results.  In addition, their very lives were at risk.  Weren't they God's people?  Were they not doing what He wanted them to do?  The answer to both questions was, "Yes!"

Then, why weren't they experiencing victory?   Verse 22 provides the most graphic description of their plight.  "Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

That verse is quoted by the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:36 to remind believers that life is not always health, wealth and happiness.  Real life is full of challenges.  The greatest tests are beyond the physical, financial and emotional tough times.  How we respond to God in the midst of difficulties is a test of faith.

Exhibit A of this truth is that fact that this same verse is quoted two additional times in Scripture to refer to Jesus!  In Isaiah 53, the prophet predicted that the Messiah would suffer and die for "the iniquity of us all" and quoted Psalm 44:22.  When Philip spoke with the Ethiopian official in Acts 8, he explained that Jesus fulfilled what Isaiah predicted.

So, how can we not only endure tests of faith but actually grow through them?  Here are three things we can do today.

1. Remember God delights in you. (vv.1-3)

Self-esteem and self-worth can hit bottom in the middle of a test.  Psalm 44 opens by remembering that God delivered His people because He delighted in them.  When the LORD delivered David out of a tight spot, he wrote, "He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me." (Psalm 18:19)  As believers, we are children of God.  We are members of the family of God.  God not only loves us, He likes us!

2. Remember all the good things God has done for you already. (vv.4-8)

Speak about how we came to faith in the first place.  What has God done since us since we placed our faith in Him?  Let others hear us giving thanks to the LORD "continually."

3. Remember God knows our hearts. (vv.17-21)

Stay true to your commitment to the LORD.  The Psalmist could say, "we have not been false to your covenant.  Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from your way."  Refuse to give in to temptation just because you feel bad.

The cross was not final.  In His sufferings, Jesus knew that resurrection was coming.  He trusted the Father to bring Him through it.  And, so can we.  Our deliverance is on its way.