Here is the last outline of the series called “Cage Fighters.”

CAGE FIGHTERS
Living a Life of Spiritual Adventure
Pastor Steve Lummer
PART 6
Coming out of the cage of FAILURE

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

1. SOMETIMES IT TAKES A SHIPWRECK.
But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.  Acts 27:41

Failure can be DEVASTATING. – Failure  can be DIVINE DIRECTION.

2. Are shipwrecks and snakebites the WILL OF GOD?
Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us an unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and as he put it on the fire, a viper snake, driven out by the heat, fasten itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer, for though he escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.”  Acts 28:1-9

3. DIVINE DETOURS and DELAYS.
There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured 10 They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed. Acts 27:7-10

Sometimes our plans have to FAIL in order for God’s plans to SUCCEED.

Straight lines or ZigZAGs? – appendix of maps

4. THE WIND FACTOR.
When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the “northeaster,” swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.  Acts 27:13-16