What must I learn about failure? - Failure - TouchPoints

Genesis 3:12-13The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”

2 Corinthians 12:9Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Certainly, we must learn to live with failure. Everyone has weaknesses. The key to character is not how little we fail but how we respond to failure. Adam and Eve, for example, responded to their failure by blaming others rather than admitting their wrong and seeking forgiveness. In contrast, David repented of his sin and failure (see Psalm 51) as did Peter (see Luke 22:61–62).

Jonah 1:3Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord.

We should not make the mistake of trying to run from God and his will. That will lead to the worst kind of failure.

Colossians 3:23-24Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Our sense of failure may wrongfully be determined by the approval—or lack of approval—of others. Scripture reminds us to define success in terms of our faithfulness to God and that we should see all good service and hard work as being done for him. God will reward our faithfulness even if we fail in the eyes of the world.

Genesis 4:6-7“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”

Proverbs 29:1Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.

If we are confronted about our mistakes or failures, we should consider the source and the substance of the criticism, and then reflect on the input and apply lessons for the future.

Judges 16:17, 21, 28Finally, Samson shared his secret with her. . . . So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. . . . Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.”

God can still use us despite our failures. Although Samson failed often, in the end God still used him mightily.

Matthew 26:74-75Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.

John 21:15-19After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” . . . Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

Following Jesus means allowing him to forgive our failures so we can move on and experience joy and success. Jesus restored Peter to fellowship even after his most painful failure.