I have been an avid Oswald Chambers groupie since high school when I first encountered “My Utmost for His Highest.” Several tattered editions later, I’m still reading his words of wisdom and faith in this treasured collection of daily devotionals.
A few days ago, My Utmost looked in on the Garden of Gethsemane where the disciples went to sleep after Jesus had asked them to pray. They blew it! Even though they disappointed Jesus, He tells them in Matthew 26:46, “Rise, let us be going.”
“The sense of having done something irreversible tends to make us despair. We say, “It’s over and ruined now; what’s the point in trying anymore.” But Jesus comes and lovingly says to us, in essence, “That opportunity is lost forever… But get up, let’s go on to the next thing.” Let the past sleep, but let it sleep in the sweet embrace of Christ…
If we are inspired by God, what is the next thing? It is to trust Him absolutely and to pray on the basis of His redemption.
Never let the sense of past failure defeat your next step.”
Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for His Highest“
grace, peace & inspired next things
Virginia : )
Photo: Saint Augustine, FL (November 2015)
Roses in the Rubble 
That’s an encouraging thought, Ginny…thanks for sharing!
Thanks Cin — another favorite Oswald quote is: “God doesn’t give us overcoming life, but life as we overcome.” By taking one step at a time – by faith – God provides grace to overcome in the moment… Reminds me of Papa, the grace he had to deal with pain 24/7 came one moment at a time… Love, love, love you! gL