October 26, 2023 • 16 mins
What if failure wasn't the terrifying dead-end it's often painted as, but rather a stepping stone to growth and new opportunities? The uncertainties and fears that accompany failure can be daunting, but as we'll uncover, they can also be transformed into dynamic opportunities for growth.
In a riveting narrative shared by the host, we journey alongside a courageous young man who discovers his strength through failure and finds value in the lessons learned.
We discuss the courage it takes to admit our mistakes without shame and the comfort drawn from God's unwavering support and protection. Also, we learn the power of God's refuge, providing us with strength and courage to weather life's storms. This discussion will challenge your view on failure, faith, and personal growth.
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· @hangingoutwithjesuspodcast (Instagram)
· @themeprojectacademy (Pinterest)
· support@themeprojectacademy.com (for comments)
· www.goodreads.com/lyvitabrooks
Thanks for listening. I pray this episode was a blessing to you. Leave a comment or rate this episode . Then pass it on. Share this link: https://lyvitabrooks.com/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Lyvita (00:03):
Welcome to Hanging Out with Jesus Podcast, where we
equip the saints for ministry bybringing you tips, interviews,
inspiration and information onhow to live intentionally and
daily in Christ.
For more resources, includingyour free newsletter, visit
(00:24):
HangingOutWithJesusPodcastcom orclick the link in the show
notes.
Hi, I'm Evita Brooks.
Author, bible teacher, founderof the Meep Project Academy and
your host.
Thanks for supporting thisministry and writing and
commenting on the blog andwhatever podcast platform you
(00:47):
are listening to, because thenit makes us feel more like a
conversation.
If this is your first timelistening, in, welcome.
This is episode 87.
Our focus is on failure.
What's your view of failure?
Why do you consider it a badthing, or do you?
(01:12):
What does the Bible say aboutfailure?
What are you going to do whenit happens?
All that more is coming up.
Let's pray.
Our Father and our God help us.
Never forget that, no matterthe tragedy or failure, with you
(01:39):
on our side, we will bounceback.
Thank you for never leaving usor forsaking us.
In Jesus' name, we pray, amenand amen.
Now come walk with me where weintentionally and daily hang out
(02:04):
with Jesus In the Meep ProjectAcademy.
News.
Two things First, I'm backwriting again.
Presently, I am working on abook of short stories.
Well, I'll tell you more later,because right now I'm just
(02:27):
enjoying writing, just gettingwith my characters and drawing
out their stories.
It's fun.
Second thing that's happeningin the academy is that I'm
revamping the website and alsomy journals.
(02:49):
Remember I wrote Psalms 91 andalso the Me Project Academy who
Are you and who's Are you?
I'm revamping them as well,giving them a facelift and
adding a couple of things tothem.
I'm basically going to turnthem into Bible studies, but
stay tuned until February 24thSaint.
(03:17):
Do you know that failure isgoing to happen?
It's inevitable.
We might think we can cheatfailure, but the point still
remains you will encounterfailure.
What's your view on failure?
Is it that you never failbecause you have a tendency of
(03:40):
blaming it on someone Other thanyourself, or something else?
Maybe your view of failure isthat once it happens, you will
never try to do anything elseagain?
Your view of failure can resultin self-sabotage, no
(04:02):
self-esteem, thinking you'reeither good or bad in particular
area, or a good or bad person,procrastination and or avoidance
behavior.
No, failure is a lesson tolearn from.
Our best mistakes come throughfailing at times.
(04:23):
Failure is a good thing.
It lets you know how not to dosomething.
It opens the doors to newexperiences, recognizing
different methods of doingthings, learning new things,
learning something new, growingbeyond what you already know.
(04:45):
Failure can be to youradvantage.
Failure is also a warning signat times.
Listen to this example and letme know if this young man is a
failure or has learned a veryimportant lesson in his life.
(05:07):
A young man leaves home for thefirst time as an adult and moves
to a faraway state.
He gets a job, an apartment andtwo buddies to help him pay for
the apartment For the nextthree years of life.
It is good, so good, until theyoung man buys his first car,
trading in the four-year-old carhis parents purchased for him
(05:30):
to drive across country topursue his dream.
In those three years he evenreceived a raise Advancing his
job is now dating for the firsttime because he can afford it.
One day his buddy said he hadto move back home because his
father needs help on the farm.
The young man looked for a newroommate, but three weeks later
(05:54):
the other buddy said he had tomove back home because his
mother couldn't help him pay therent anymore.
But the young man lookedeverywhere for two roommates.
The rent was due.
He only had his part.
He talked to the landlord whofelt sorry for him and gave him
two more weeks beyond themonthly due date.
(06:17):
The young man called everyoneto help him.
So he continued looking formore roommates.
He loved this place.
The rent was due.
As two weeks were up, he had toleave.
He asked around to see if hecould stay with a few friends
until he could get his own place.
No way, his friends were stillliving at home.
(06:42):
His girlfriend dropped him andhis parents didn't have the
funds but told him to come backhome.
He became angry with family,friends and God.
Two months later he's living inhis car.
So I ask you, saints, is thisyoung man a failure or learning
(07:06):
a valuable lesson?
I like to say he just met upwith reality.
He has encountered failure atthe point where he will either
move forward, stand still orregret, or regret.
For some, this may seem like anopportunity.
Others will get mad at theworld and stop blaming other
(07:30):
people or the system of God.
And yet there are some who seethis as an opportunity to grow,
and that's where I want you tobe, saints.
I've been laid off, rift, evenput out in my house.
Back in the day, going to theunemployment office was even
(07:51):
more depressing than being laidoff and being rift for my job.
Never knowing if they are goingto reinstate me became four
months of living in constantcommunion with God.
Now being evicted hey, y'allthings happen, and yet I felt
like a failure.
(08:12):
It was through each of theseexperiences I learned that they
were just an opportunity tolearning something new that
pushed me forward.
And being laid off, I went backto finish my degree in college
and had enough money to pay forthe full year.
Being rift, I submitted morestories for publication and had
(08:37):
time to learn new writingtechniques and received a job
that propelled me into assistantprincipalship.
Being evicted that started afriendship with my cousin that
till this day, is close.
In them all, I learned thebiggest lesson of all, and it
(09:01):
comes from Isaiah 40, 31.
But they who wait for the Lordshow he knew their strength.
They shall mount up with wingslike eagles.
They shall run and not be ready.
They will walk.
And I think, saints, after eachfailure, after every time,
(09:28):
things didn't go my way becauseI had planned something
different.
After, life put me into aseason of constant transition.
After I felt like giving upbecause life threw me a
curveball that I thought wascoming, but I wasn't sure if it
was coming because I put toomany things in place for it not
(09:51):
to come.
But it did come.
Each time I failed or made amistake, god was with me and
gave me the strength to keepmoving forward.
I'm learning that it isn't thetrial that you look at daily.
It's fixing your eyes on Jesus,because it's the aftermath that
(10:17):
is going to be awesome.
When you encounter failure,learn from it, the example I
used to the young man earlierwhen he sits back and takes
stock of what happened insteadof being angry, he should learn
that you never live outside yourmeans, but if you do have a
(10:38):
backup plan that doesn't consistof living in your car.
Secondly, friends are alwaysdependable.
Third, life is unpredictableand no matter how well you plan
or how many backups you have,you can't control the future.
Things happen in the mostunusual ways.
(11:00):
Fourth, you aren't invincible.
Fifth, sometimes goingbackwards or being humble is
where you find your place topropel.
Lastly, the only backup plan,or any plan that is foolproof,
(11:23):
is hanging out with Jesus daily.
Isaiah 40-31 said it all and Iwant to follow up that with
Proverbs, chapter 3, verse 5 to6.
Trust in the Lord with all yourheart and do not lean on your
(11:46):
own understanding.
In all your ways, Acknowledgehim and he will make straight
your paths.
Saint, here's your opportunityfor growth.
Take the next couple of weeksand get in the presence of God
to talk about that oneparticular failure you are
(12:08):
ashamed to admit or has deeplyhurt you.
Ask him what is it that youshould have learned from that
experience that will be helpfulfor you to implement in your
present situation?
Let me repeat that Take thenext couple of weeks, get your
(12:31):
Bible journal and pen.
Get in the presence of God totalk to him about that
particular failure you areashamed to admit or was deeply
hurt by.
Ask him what is it that youshould have learned from that
(12:51):
experience and how can it helpyou propel into your future?
If it's something you arewilling to share with me so we
can learn from each other, thencontact me at levitabrookscom
slash contact.
(13:12):
That's L-Y-V-I-T-A Brooks orthe Scom slash contacts.
It's also in the show notes.
Saint, you and the Lord can doall things.
Failure is not the end of theworld, it's just the beginning.
Believe it, because I've livedit and you probably have too.
(13:39):
Let's pray Now.
I like to pray with you and foryou this time.
Okay, so let's go to Lord.
Heavenly Father, keep remindingus that we can do all things to
Christ, who strengthens us.
(14:00):
Teach my brothers and sistersin Christ how to trust in you
when encountering failure ormaking mistakes that are
devastating, that hurt theirheart.
Teach them how to still trustyou and remember that you are
(14:25):
their dwelling place.
You're the most high in thesetimes of failing, that you will
cover them with your opinionsand under your wings they will
find refuge, for yourfaithfulness is a shield and
buckler.
Father, they're your child.
(14:50):
Help them.
Help them to take fear and growand learn and not be ashamed.
Repent if repentance is needed,but never let it hold them back.
Lord, god, you are our refugeand our fortress, our God and
(15:17):
whom we trust.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.
Thanks for listening.
If you enjoyed this episode,then please consider subscribing
to the podcast, reading andReviewing it.
This helps in moving it forwardto being heard by more
(15:38):
believers.
Also, if you haven't done so,get your free twice a month
newsletter to keep up with newreleases of the podcast.
Monthly opportunities on how tolive intentionally and daily in
Christ, and much more.
All this and more can be found,including our contact
information, onhangingoutwithjesuspodcastcom or
(16:00):
the show notes.
So until we meet again onairways, intentionally and daily
Hangout with Jesus Shalom.
Welcome to Hanging Out with Jesus Podcast, where we
equip the saints for ministry bybringing you tips, interviews,
inspiration and information onhow to live intentionally and
daily in Christ.
For more resources, includingyour free newsletter, visit
(00:24):
HangingOutWithJesusPodcastcom orclick the link in the show
notes.
Hi, I'm Evita Brooks.
Author, bible teacher, founderof the Meep Project Academy and
your host.
Thanks for supporting thisministry and writing and
commenting on the blog andwhatever podcast platform you
(00:47):
are listening to, because thenit makes us feel more like a
conversation.
If this is your first timelistening, in, welcome.
This is episode 87.
Our focus is on failure.
What's your view of failure?
Why do you consider it a badthing, or do you?
(01:12):
What does the Bible say aboutfailure?
What are you going to do whenit happens?
All that more is coming up.
Let's pray.
Our Father and our God help us.
Never forget that, no matterthe tragedy or failure, with you
(01:39):
on our side, we will bounceback.
Thank you for never leaving usor forsaking us.
In Jesus' name, we pray, amenand amen.
Now come walk with me where weintentionally and daily hang out
(02:04):
with Jesus In the Meep ProjectAcademy.
News.
Two things First, I'm backwriting again.
Presently, I am working on abook of short stories.
Well, I'll tell you more later,because right now I'm just
(02:27):
enjoying writing, just gettingwith my characters and drawing
out their stories.
It's fun.
Second thing that's happeningin the academy is that I'm
revamping the website and alsomy journals.
(02:49):
Remember I wrote Psalms 91 andalso the Me Project Academy who
Are you and who's Are you?
I'm revamping them as well,giving them a facelift and
adding a couple of things tothem.
I'm basically going to turnthem into Bible studies, but
stay tuned until February 24thSaint.
(03:17):
Do you know that failure isgoing to happen?
It's inevitable.
We might think we can cheatfailure, but the point still
remains you will encounterfailure.
What's your view on failure?
Is it that you never failbecause you have a tendency of
(03:40):
blaming it on someone Other thanyourself, or something else?
Maybe your view of failure isthat once it happens, you will
never try to do anything elseagain?
Your view of failure can resultin self-sabotage, no
(04:02):
self-esteem, thinking you'reeither good or bad in particular
area, or a good or bad person,procrastination and or avoidance
behavior.
No, failure is a lesson tolearn from.
Our best mistakes come throughfailing at times.
(04:23):
Failure is a good thing.
It lets you know how not to dosomething.
It opens the doors to newexperiences, recognizing
different methods of doingthings, learning new things,
learning something new, growingbeyond what you already know.
(04:45):
Failure can be to youradvantage.
Failure is also a warning signat times.
Listen to this example and letme know if this young man is a
failure or has learned a veryimportant lesson in his life.
(05:07):
A young man leaves home for thefirst time as an adult and moves
to a faraway state.
He gets a job, an apartment andtwo buddies to help him pay for
the apartment For the nextthree years of life.
It is good, so good, until theyoung man buys his first car,
trading in the four-year-old carhis parents purchased for him
(05:30):
to drive across country topursue his dream.
In those three years he evenreceived a raise Advancing his
job is now dating for the firsttime because he can afford it.
One day his buddy said he hadto move back home because his
father needs help on the farm.
The young man looked for a newroommate, but three weeks later
(05:54):
the other buddy said he had tomove back home because his
mother couldn't help him pay therent anymore.
But the young man lookedeverywhere for two roommates.
The rent was due.
He only had his part.
He talked to the landlord whofelt sorry for him and gave him
two more weeks beyond themonthly due date.
(06:17):
The young man called everyoneto help him.
So he continued looking formore roommates.
He loved this place.
The rent was due.
As two weeks were up, he had toleave.
He asked around to see if hecould stay with a few friends
until he could get his own place.
No way, his friends were stillliving at home.
(06:42):
His girlfriend dropped him andhis parents didn't have the
funds but told him to come backhome.
He became angry with family,friends and God.
Two months later he's living inhis car.
So I ask you, saints, is thisyoung man a failure or learning
(07:06):
a valuable lesson?
I like to say he just met upwith reality.
He has encountered failure atthe point where he will either
move forward, stand still orregret, or regret.
For some, this may seem like anopportunity.
Others will get mad at theworld and stop blaming other
(07:30):
people or the system of God.
And yet there are some who seethis as an opportunity to grow,
and that's where I want you tobe, saints.
I've been laid off, rift, evenput out in my house.
Back in the day, going to theunemployment office was even
(07:51):
more depressing than being laidoff and being rift for my job.
Never knowing if they are goingto reinstate me became four
months of living in constantcommunion with God.
Now being evicted hey, y'allthings happen, and yet I felt
like a failure.
(08:12):
It was through each of theseexperiences I learned that they
were just an opportunity tolearning something new that
pushed me forward.
And being laid off, I went backto finish my degree in college
and had enough money to pay forthe full year.
Being rift, I submitted morestories for publication and had
(08:37):
time to learn new writingtechniques and received a job
that propelled me into assistantprincipalship.
Being evicted that started afriendship with my cousin that
till this day, is close.
In them all, I learned thebiggest lesson of all, and it
(09:01):
comes from Isaiah 40, 31.
But they who wait for the Lordshow he knew their strength.
They shall mount up with wingslike eagles.
They shall run and not be ready.
They will walk.
And I think, saints, after eachfailure, after every time,
(09:28):
things didn't go my way becauseI had planned something
different.
After, life put me into aseason of constant transition.
After I felt like giving upbecause life threw me a
curveball that I thought wascoming, but I wasn't sure if it
was coming because I put toomany things in place for it not
(09:51):
to come.
But it did come.
Each time I failed or made amistake, god was with me and
gave me the strength to keepmoving forward.
I'm learning that it isn't thetrial that you look at daily.
It's fixing your eyes on Jesus,because it's the aftermath that
(10:17):
is going to be awesome.
When you encounter failure,learn from it, the example I
used to the young man earlierwhen he sits back and takes
stock of what happened insteadof being angry, he should learn
that you never live outside yourmeans, but if you do have a
(10:38):
backup plan that doesn't consistof living in your car.
Secondly, friends are alwaysdependable.
Third, life is unpredictableand no matter how well you plan
or how many backups you have,you can't control the future.
Things happen in the mostunusual ways.
(11:00):
Fourth, you aren't invincible.
Fifth, sometimes goingbackwards or being humble is
where you find your place topropel.
Lastly, the only backup plan,or any plan that is foolproof,
(11:23):
is hanging out with Jesus daily.
Isaiah 40-31 said it all and Iwant to follow up that with
Proverbs, chapter 3, verse 5 to6.
Trust in the Lord with all yourheart and do not lean on your
(11:46):
own understanding.
In all your ways, Acknowledgehim and he will make straight
your paths.
Saint, here's your opportunityfor growth.
Take the next couple of weeksand get in the presence of God
to talk about that oneparticular failure you are
(12:08):
ashamed to admit or has deeplyhurt you.
Ask him what is it that youshould have learned from that
experience that will be helpfulfor you to implement in your
present situation?
Let me repeat that Take thenext couple of weeks, get your
(12:31):
Bible journal and pen.
Get in the presence of God totalk to him about that
particular failure you areashamed to admit or was deeply
hurt by.
Ask him what is it that youshould have learned from that
(12:51):
experience and how can it helpyou propel into your future?
If it's something you arewilling to share with me so we
can learn from each other, thencontact me at levitabrookscom
slash contact.
(13:12):
That's L-Y-V-I-T-A Brooks orthe Scom slash contacts.
It's also in the show notes.
Saint, you and the Lord can doall things.
Failure is not the end of theworld, it's just the beginning.
Believe it, because I've livedit and you probably have too.
(13:39):
Let's pray Now.
I like to pray with you and foryou this time.
Okay, so let's go to Lord.
Heavenly Father, keep remindingus that we can do all things to
Christ, who strengthens us.
(14:00):
Teach my brothers and sistersin Christ how to trust in you
when encountering failure ormaking mistakes that are
devastating, that hurt theirheart.
Teach them how to still trustyou and remember that you are
(14:25):
their dwelling place.
You're the most high in thesetimes of failing, that you will
cover them with your opinionsand under your wings they will
find refuge, for yourfaithfulness is a shield and
buckler.
Father, they're your child.
(14:50):
Help them.
Help them to take fear and growand learn and not be ashamed.
Repent if repentance is needed,but never let it hold them back.
Lord, god, you are our refugeand our fortress, our God and
(15:17):
whom we trust.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.
Thanks for listening.
If you enjoyed this episode,then please consider subscribing
to the podcast, reading andReviewing it.
This helps in moving it forwardto being heard by more
(15:38):
believers.
Also, if you haven't done so,get your free twice a month
newsletter to keep up with newreleases of the podcast.
Monthly opportunities on how tolive intentionally and daily in
Christ, and much more.
All this and more can be found,including our contact
information, onhangingoutwithjesuspodcastcom or
(16:00):
the show notes.
So until we meet again onairways, intentionally and daily
Hangout with Jesus Shalom.
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