Matthew 14:28-31 – 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” (New Living Translation)

When in the Cave of Failure . . .

. . . Honestly face and name your _______________________

Psalm 142:1-3 – 1 I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy. 2 I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. 3 When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. (New Living Translation)

. . . Take _______________

. . . Use failure as a __________________

The cave of failure offers a precious chance to learn, but are we willing to ask courageous questions?

• Am I chasing the right dreams?

• Is what I’m pursuing consistent with God’s calling on my life?

• Am I operating out of what God made me to do or out of my own need for appearing important?

• Am I willing to remain in the cave if it means being true to God?

. . . Find ultimate _______________ in God

Finding ultimate refuge in God means you become so immersed in His presence, so convinced of His goodness, so devoted to His lordship that you find even the cave is a perfectly safe place to be because He is there with you.

Psalm 142:4-5 – 4 I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. 5 Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” (New Living Translation)