What if failing were actually learning?

Sometimes, even for those of us who have been following Jesus for many years, past (or recent) mistakes, failures, and sins can suddenly loom large in our souls. Though we’ve already asked forgiveness, an accusing voice can start to condemn us once again, encouraging us to distance ourselves from the Lord. This week, I’d like to talk about the forgiveness and freedom to move forward that are ours because of Jesus’ blood! Let’s see our journey of growth the way He does. :-)

There are days we feel like we’ve failed in everything…days when what we think of ourselves is far from glorious…days when we think that, once again, we’ve messed everything up.

However, what we see as a failure can also be considered part of learning, part of the process! Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” What self-assurance! He didn’t see 10,000 failed attempts…only opportunities to get closer to what would work! He must have truly believed the Bible verse that says, “Let there be light!” ;-) Here are two things to meditate on today:

1. God knows that you’re in the process of growing and changing. Believe this for yourself as well, and don’t condemn yourself for your “failures” that are just as much opportunities to learn and grow.
2. God ONLY has plans of peace and joy for you, good plans as we read in the Bible in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (NKJV)  

Don’t focus on the seeming failure, but on what God desires to do with and in you!

Remember that you are in process…a process of transformation, learning, and shaping each day.

With God, your failures are opportunities to learn, go forward, and grow!