THE FORMULA FOR FAILURE
The Formula for Failure
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
God has a plan for our lives—a good and perfect plan, filled with purpose, peace, and victory through Christ. But we are not without opposition. The enemy of our souls, the devil, has a strategy too—a formula designed to derail us from walking in God’s best. 1 Peter 5:8 calls us to be sober and vigilant because our adversary is actively looking for an opening, an unguarded heart, a distracted mind, or a weary soul.
The enemy is cunning. He doesn’t usually attack with obvious weapons. Instead, he uses a subtle, methodical formula—a five-step process that has worked since the Garden of Eden. When we become unaware or unguarded, we risk falling into this trap. Let’s look closely at the five steps in this destructive formula:
1. Doubt – “Did God really say…?”
The first crack in the foundation always begins with doubt.
Satan introduced it to Eve with a question: “Yea, hath God said…?”(Genesis 3:1).
He still uses the same tactic. He whispers lies that make us question God’s Word, His goodness, or His presence.
When we start to doubt God’s promises, we stop standing on them. Doubt shifts our focus from God’s truth to our own reasoning, opening the door to instability.
Combat this with:
Faith in God’s unchanging Word. Speak truth even when feelings don’t align.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” —Romans 10:17
2. Discouragement – “It’s not working out.”
Once doubt takes root, discouragement soon follows.
We look around at our circumstances and begin to feel disappointed, disheartened, and tired. Discouragement tells us that things won’t get better, that our prayers aren’t being heard, and that maybe God has forgotten us.
Combat this with:
Hope in God’s character. Remember His past faithfulness and trust His timing.
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God…” —Psalm 42:5
3. Depression – “There’s no way out.”
Discouragement, left unchecked, can deepen into depression—a place of emotional darkness where we feel helpless and hopeless. The enemy isolates us in our thoughts, amplifying lies, and suppressing the light of God’s love and truth.
Combat this with:
Joy and praise, even in the storm. Light always overcomes darkness.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” —Nehemiah 8:10
“Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” —Isaiah 61:3
4. Disassociation – “I just don’t belong.”
In this stage, we begin to withdraw—from community, from purpose, from God.
We pull away from church, friends, and even prayer. Isolation is one of the enemy’s most effective tools. He wants to separate us from the body of Christ so he can attack without resistance, just like a lion isolates its prey.
Combat this with:
Connection. Stay planted in God’s family and reach out even when it’s hard.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” —Hebrews 10:25
5. Destruction – “This is who I am now.”
This is the enemy’s goal: to utterly destroy your identity, your purpose, your calling, and your walk with God. But this step only becomes reality if the previous ones are left unaddressed.
He cannot destroy what God has sealed unless we surrender it.
Combat this with:
Truth, repentance, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember who you are in Christ.
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life…” —John 10:10
So When we focus on doubt, discouragement, depression, disassociation, and destruction, we live as victims. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we walk in victory—the birthright of every believer.
You were not created to be consumed—you were created to conquer.
So, be sober. Be vigilant. Recognize the enemy’s formula and refuse to participate in it.
Instead, live in the formula of faith, hope, joy, connection, and restoration—the true path of life in
