On the road of life we have experienced defeat more than we would like to remember. However, if we learn from each defeat we will never be a loser. Life brings us both the good and the bad. You should never expect one without the other. Since we know bad experiences come, then we would be wise to prepare for them.
In the Second Chapter of Job we learn how Job was able to handle his distressed situation. While he was tending to a body littered with sores, his wife instructed him to curse God and die. His response gives us the approach in handling things beyond our control. Job responded to his wife “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?” Job 2:10, NIV. God had blessed Job abundantly, but he knew there would be times that his life would be balanced by trouble, and that too would be for good.
There was recognition from Job that if God is involved in this, there is more to it than what I see or am experiencing. What God allows to come my way has purpose. It may not feel good, but that does not mean it will not be good. Most of the food that is best for us is not the best tasting. Learning experiences are hardly ever done in pleasant situations. Paul informed us in Romans 8:28, NIV, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” The test may not be good but the purpose of the test is good. Do not let life be a series of experiences but a journey with purpose. If our purpose is to win the war, then we must be prepared to fight the battles.
During a war we may experience defeat in some battles but, if we learn from them, we will win the war. The Bible teaches us that a key ingredient to learn from defeat is to honor the experience. Give it the respect it is due. Do not take it lightly or take it for granted. Do not become vengeful, angry and bitter. Job refused to become bitter, but rather he acknowledged that what comes from God must be reverenced. This he did when he got the news of his children’s death. The Bible says Job worshiped God. Job 1:20. By giving place to honor the things that come from above, we keep our heart in the position to learn from the good and the bad. It is for this reason that the Bible teaches us to honor our mother and father. Exodus 20:12. If we do this, we can learn from even the mistakes of our parents. You just do not learn what to do from your parents, you also learn what not to do. The secret is to keep your heart right even when your parents do wrong.
As a child of God you should know that whatever you are passing through, it is because God has sent it or allowed it. Because I honor God and know Him as the Father, all things that come from Him are good; I will learn from everything that comes my way. Matthew 7:11 teaches that life is progressive. Step by step, day-by-day, I learn what to do and what not to do. In this way, I become more and more like Christ. I can never lose being more like Jesus.
