Did you know that you can not experence success without first experiencing failure? Failure has such a negative connotation in our culture. We are taught to be the best, the first, win at all costs but do we really know what that means? I love the quote by Thomas Alva Edison, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." (invented the light bulb and held a world record for 1093 patents for inventions). He understood how to look at failure and set backs.
Fast forward to the 21st century and we live in a competitive world. We compare our kids to the ones next door, our houses, cars, jobs, etc. John Maxwell, author of Failing Forward, describes how to be successful in life. It is geared toward business leaders but is a great tool for anyone in their personal life. For example, one of the principles is that there is good in all experiences including the bad experiences. God's Word says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Without experiencing failure we would never come to see our need for God. Think about the times in your life when you felt closer to God than any other. If I had to guess it is probably when you were going through a very trying time in your life. We were created by Him and for Him. We can do nothing without Him. God designed us to live abundant lives (John 10:10). Abundant life does not mean that you will never fail. It does mean that when you fail, God will be right there to dust off your skinned knees and move you forward.
Take heart my friends, as you fail, learn from your failure and move on....move forward from your failure -- to succeed. Paul tells us, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37 As we embrace our failures we conquer our future.
Embracing success through my failures.
One more thing, in order to be the conqueror and live the abundant life you must be willing to persevere and not get bogged down in your temporary set back. James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
