Think of it this way . . .
“Falling down doesn’t make you a failure, but staying down does.”
Sometimes fear and doubt comes before and may even hasten failure. Perhaps just as often fear may follow failure, as embarrassment and brooding make confidence come undone. But, as we know, failure need not be final
and facing our fears may be the better part of valor. Therefore, learning how to properly manage our reaction to personal failure is imperative if we are to go on with any kind of dignity and determination to succeed.
Mistakes and mishaps are common to natural people and they come with deep emotions tied to them. Since that’s the case, we may rightly say that they are essential to normal living; but so is the way we handle them. Intelligence of the greatest sort offers this fantastic advice:
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.” (1 Pet. 4:12, NLT)
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;” (Rom. 5:3–4, NASB95)
In our desire to do good and be good, our purpose is not to intentionally fail, of course, but it happens – we can’t help it. Even when we mess up due to a bad choice (we could’ve/should’ve been able to “help it”) we’re still bothered by the hurting, brooding feelings. But we mustn’t let them destroy the good us. After we’ve failed and come through it, we will learn something about ourselves (how to profit from our mistake, for one). It should make us smarter and stronger and ready for the next time. So, when (not if) it happens to you, ask yourself what you can learn from it, and grow on.
John D.
