“I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” LUKE 22:32
No-one enjoys failure and it is not something that we ever set out to do. We are driven to succeed, but on those occasions that we don’t, this quote may well have been heard – If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. A simple phrase often used to encourage someone not to give up after the first try.
God doesn’t view failure as a barrier to success, but more of a wrong turn that needs corrected. A great example is Jonah, who was given clear directions from God, but failed to follow them. He didn’t so much take a wrong turn as purposely ran in the other direction, but instead of ending on that failure, God said, ‘Okay, lets try this again.’
There are so many characters in the bible that struggled in their walk with God and yet the Lord continued to use them and guide them and bless them, because failure is by no means the end of the journey.
Peter’s failure is probably one of the most famous. He was so bold and confident – “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” It only took a matter of hours for that confidence to disintegrate and for Peter to feel completely broken, but his failure was far from the end point.
The Lord Jesus had prayed for Peter, who did indeed come back stronger and with increased boldness. Through his experience he was able to say,
“Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you” 1 PETER 4:12
Peter used his failure to strengthen his brother and sisters in Christ, just as Jesus asked him to. Take encouragement from Peter. Don’t be afraid when failure comes and don’t run when it happens, for in His grace, God patiently waits for us to turn again.
Failure is not to be feared. Confront it, accept it and let God use your experience to strengthen others.
Narrow Path Ministries 