Read that again:
Past Failure does NOT predict future results.
It’s a pretty simple, yet profound statement isn’t it? Now tell me… do you believe it?
I really thought I did. Like many of you that are probably reading this, I tried to lose weight many times before this time where I actually succeeded. The first time I can remember trying I was in ninth grade. I started going to Weight Watchers with my mom. Then there was back in the summer/fall of 2005 when I lost 35 pounds, got pregnant, quit Weight Watchers, had a miscarriage, and found myself eating my heart out in grief... and gaining back all that weight plus more before the end of the fall. Fail. Fail.
When I started this final weight loss journey back in October 2008, I took no preconceived notions with me. I didn't even think about those past attempts. I didn't even consider failure. I knew I would do this. I knew I had to do this. For my sake, for my family's sake, to save my life. And... late last summer, I reached goal and 6 weeks later lifetime. I was living proof that past failure does not predict future results.
So yes... I believe it. I believe it when it comes to weight loss, because I proved to myself it was true. Lately though, I've found this belief challenged in non-weight loss related ares of my life. Will past failure predict future results? This past week, I had convinced myself that yes... it will. I heard myself actually thinking out loud that if I have failed at something in the past: relationships, work, exercise, weight loss, etc, etc. I will probably fail again.
And then... this morning, as I was listening to the radio on my drive in to work, I almost turned the radio station to a different one, but stopped myself, just as I heard the following line, "What happened yesterday has disappeared, the dirt has washed away, and now its clear." Its from the song Only Grace
by Matthew West.It is what I needed to hear. It is what I know is true, deep down. Past failures do not predict future results. Hands down that is the truth, and a beautiful, hope-filled truth at that!
I bet its what you need to hear today too. Sure, you've failed in the past... who hasn't? But this time CAN be different, you have the power to make it different, and even when its something completely out of your control, we have the wonderful truth that future results can be changed. We can have a future filled with hope.
Ten years ago last month, my dad passed away from cancer. One of the things I took with me after he did was his Bible. I admit, I don't open it as much as I probably should, but one day I opened it up a few months after he had left us and found a card with the following, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
- Jeremiah 29:11
I didn't realize it at the time, but that verse would go on to be one of theme's of my life. Even when I thought that things were failures... they were only paving the way to my new future!
Past failures do NOT predict future results. Take it with you on your journey as an absolute truth!
Thank goodness. Now if only I can remember it!
ReplyDeletelove it
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, my dear! You captured the true spirit of persistence, perseverance and honest, hard WORK. Thanks for articulating it so well. You are amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteSo true! I attend a Bible Study Fellowship class on Wednesday mornings. Actually my WW girls are in my same class. Anywho...this year we are studying the book of Isaiah. This week, Isaiah 40:28-31 were a few of the verses. I get weary on this lengthy weight loss journey. However, there is much hope in the fact that my Creator doesn't so I can lean on Him when I do.
ReplyDeleteYay! Praise God, what a perfect post that speaks to me tonight. You are a blessing and a success!! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for the kind words. I am so glad that you can all relate.
ReplyDeleteA very true statement. I think the next part of it would be to be able to look back at those "failures" as being an integral part of the learning process that got us to success. Hard as it is, we often can't get to where we want to be without the slip ups.
ReplyDeleteI am working every day to believe this. I have failed so many times before, that it IS hard to believe I can do it now. Sometimes I wish I could go back to the days in 2004 when I was down to 185 pounds and never ever let myself gain this weight back. At the same time, that is part of my journey. It's party of my story.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post Sarah! There is always the hope of the Lord ~ He does have a plan!!
ReplyDeleteSending hugs!