Every Failure is an Opportunity to Grow

"We must expect reverses, even defeats. They are sent to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth greater energies, and to prevent our falling into greater disasters." -General Robert E. Lee

            If nothing else, life is a long series of challenges placed in my way like the hurdles in a track race. Without warning, the starting gun goes off and I find myself dashing madly down my lane towards the finish line. I look around and see other runners leaping over hurdles, growing closer to their goals with each swift step. Finally, I reach my first hurdle, but when it comes time for me to jump, I knock it over and fall flat on my face. It’s moments such as these that seem to me to be the most vulnerable, and I find myself questioning the course I’m on, questioning the way I’m running the race, questioning God. Strength in faith can be difficult when I fail and only foresee more failure in my way. But the Lord uses these times to grow love in me, for “…patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:6-8)

            Thus, instead of viewing failures for the shortcomings which led to them, I should instead focus on the ways in which God is using them to grow the character of my life. Just as steel must be melted down and hammered away several times to make strong, first must I experience my share of tribulations in order to grow stronger with God. At the same time, I must take confidence in that the Lord promises to give me the strength to get back up and finish the race, even if I feel that I am weak. He affirms this over and over again, “…God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finished…” (Philippians 1:6) “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

            Dear Father, all things under the sun are in accordance with your plan, there isn’t a single detail which escapes your watchful eye. I failed in my endeavors, but I hold onto the trust that all things are for your greater glory. I know that you have a plan for my life that is integral to the plan of the world, for each life is as important as the rest. Therefore, I have faith in you that this stumbling block is but another step in the direction you wish me to go. I pray Lord that you would constantly lead me from this place in my life and give me the strength to carry on with what you have called of me. You have blessed me with my talents and these circumstances to do a greater good in your name. I just pray that your will would be done, Amen.