Learning from failure

Luke 22:31-34

New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

³¹ “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. ³² But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

³³ Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.”

³⁴ But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

The disciple Peter was a man of great faith and bold action. But as readers of the New Testament know, his brash style sometimes led him to make humiliating mistakes. More than once, this disciple had to wear the label of “miserable failure” rather than that of “obedient servant.”

We can all relate when it comes to falling short of expectations. Obedience to God is a learning process, and failure is a part of our development as humble servants. When we yield to temptation or rebel against God’s authority, we realize that sin has few rewards, and even those are fleeting.

Failure is an excellent learning tool, as Peter could certainly attest. Through trial and error, he discovered that humility is required of believers (John 13:5-14); that God’s ways are higher than the world’s ways (Mark 8:33); and that one should never take his eyes off Jesus (Matt. 14:30). He took each of those lessons to heart and thereby grew stronger in his faith. Isn’t that Romans 8:28 in action? God caused Peter’s failures to be put to good use as training material because the disciple was eager to mature and serve.

God doesn’t reward rebellion or wrongdoing. However, by His grace, He blesses those who choose repentance and embrace chastisement as a tool for growth.

We would probably all prefer to grow in our faith without ever making a mistake before God’s eyes, but we cannot deny that missteps are instructive. Failure teaches believers that it is much wiser and more profitable to be obedient to the Lord. That’s a lesson we all should take to heart.

From In Touch Daily Devotional April 24, 2012

In my personal walk with Him, I’ve found myself falling short often, and down on my knees have come to see I cannot walk this walk in my own strength.  Failure is a good thing when it leads us to know that we cannot do it alone.  When I was a young Christian I rejected any thought of needing anyone else to succeed, even Christ, how foolish I was, and how many lessons of failure, and redemption it has taken to teach me the truth of the scripture, that I need Him, every moment of every day.  It’s amazing what saying,  “Lord I’m so sorry, and I know now I need You!”  can do for your life……

the pilgrim

* Photo note:  A young horse races the good race, Nikon D7000, 70-300 AFS VR lens 1/20th of second at f 4.8  ISO 1600.