Shame Off Our Failed Goals - Denise Pass

Scripture of the Day:

Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Shame Rx:

Acknowledging failed goals removes shame’s power over us.

Y’all, I am back on Weight Watchers and not ashamed to say it. Why? Because I saw my need to have structured accountability and did something about it. At first, I did not want to tell anyone because of being afraid of failure. I’ve been here before. Uh, many times. Sometimes I have broken through and seen success, but in all honesty, the failures have been way more than the successes. Well, sort of. I think it just depends on how you define success.

If success is measured simply by meeting a goal, then every single one of us will miss some goals in this life. We have all failed. But if success is defined as perseverance even in the face of failure, well, then, I am sure successful.

Character that has been formed in the midst of failed goals is a bonus for those of us who choose to stay in the battle. Which is better, then? Success or failure? I can hear some of you saying, “Oh, come on. Of course success is. No one tries to fail”. True. Sure, I love it when I win. When there are no problems. When failure is not condemning me once again. But failure has taught me so much more than never failing ever could.

Character 

If we never failed, we could potentially have pride for our achievements, whereas getting back up when we have failure arising from falling short of our goals produces beautiful character. And let’s not forget humility. It is humbling when we miss the mark, right? No one wants to admit it (shame). But admitting our failure opens the door for success. Acknowledging failed goals removes shame’s power over us. We aren’t afraid to admit we are not enough. And we don’t let shame keep us from pressing on toward our goals.

Weakness’ Strength

We all have those places in our lives where we feel shame because we just can’t seem to master a struggle we face continually in the flesh. Paul felt that way, too. But he pressed on. We don’t have to feel shame when we miss a goal. That kind of shame comes from a performance perfectionistic mentality. Humility in our weaknesses helps us to rely on His strength instead of our own.

A Surprising Invitation

Missed goals are an invitation to try again. Will we? Or will we let shame condemn and define us? Throughout God’s word, we see saints who have gone before us, each with their own brand of struggle. And we admired most the ones who just. did. not. give. up. Yes, it is hard. It seems easier to just give up. But it truly isn’t easier. And we would miss the sweet victory of overcoming that our Savior promised us.

A Higher Goal

If our goal was for an achievement for our own glory, then perhaps failure wakes us up to reevaluate and form new goals that are focused on God’s glory alone. Ultimately, there is a goal that rises up above all other goals we have pursued. Paul realized in his struggles with the flesh that there was a greater goal: faithfulness.

Don’t let shame inhibit you from reaching toward goals that seem out of reach. Keep getting up, friends. It will be worth it whether or not we ever realize our deepest goals on this earth. Even if we fail again and again, staying in the fight keeps us motivated toward God’s calling on our lives. His mercies are new each and morning. Shame Off You, friends. Rise up and ask God to help you start anew, and do it all in His strength and for His glory.

Why live with shame when you don’t have to? God has provided a way for us to remove shame and live in victory. Come and release your shame in Jesus’ name. Shame Off You details a biblical method for removing shame and is available at many retailers. Here are a few places you can get Shame Off You. Let me know you bought Shame Off You and receive a free bonus digital download.