We all have failed at something in our lives. Failure is not the end of the world, even though at times it seems so. I have failed in school and in life at various times. Regardless, for a long time it did define who I thought I was. I allowed the guilt and shame that came with failure to take over. It took most of my life for me to see who I was through God’s eyes. We have to be more concerned about who He says we are.
In high school I had to repeat the 9th grade. There was nothing wrong with me but, I was lazy in school. I hated math, and had to take remedial classes most of the time I was in school. See, failure tells us who we are. But, Philippians 4:13 says , “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It took me years to believe that.
When I was stationed in Wallops Island, Virginia, my LPO at the time went to college. He told me, we could get Tuition assistance for going to school. The military was mainly going to but school. I felt like, I am not that smart to go to college. He kept at me. Convinced me to go to Colorado Tech Online with him. I was terrified!! What if I try and fail? I failed in school, hated math, so how would I make it?
Finally, I gave in. I said ok. If it’s hard I will quit. It wasn’t as bad as I thought. I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I had to face my fear of taking Statistics and Business Math. I passed both with a C. That really let me know I wasn’t what the enemy was telling me all my life. I felt because I was in low level classes I was not smart. It wasn’t that, I just needed extra help and had to study.
It took a long time for me to admit I failed. I had to stay back while all of my friends I was with since Kindergarten moved on. One thing I didn’t do was lie about it. After going to college once, I went back twice, and got another Bachelor’s and my goal a Master’s. I was surprised at how easy it was for me. God’s grace helped me to make it through.
Failure can cripple and label us. My first marriage failed, and I was afraid for years to even think about dating. Fear made me think failure would follow me into my new marriage. I see now why Romans 8:28 is one of my favorites. He can cause ALL things to work together for our good!! The only one who never failed, and never will fail is Jesus. None of us can go through life without failing. Sometimes that thing we failed at, we have to try it again. Our hope and trust should only be in him!
Have you failed at something? Did it make you afraid to try again? Fear is not always based on facts. It is based on what we “think” will happen based on our emotions. Some things, we fear so much, it ends up manifesting. (Job 3:25) Do you want to try again? Ask the Lord to help you dust yourself off and get back up again.
Father in Jesus name. I have failed and it has crippled me from moving forward. I know that you have a purpose and plan for my life. I ask that you help me renew my mind in your word, and only say what you say. ( Romans 12:2) You have not given me a spirit of fear, but love, power, and a sound mind. (2Tim 1:7). Forgive me for relying on my strength alone, and not asking for your help. I choose this day to face those roadblocks that once had me bound. In Jesus name, Amen!
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