One Thing Failure Can't Do

I’ve feared failure all of my life. I’ve feared failing as a student, as an athlete, as a husband, as a father and as a pastor.

What I’ve learned as I’ve lived with fear of failure for over 30 years…fearing failure doesn’t prevent me from failing.

I’ve failed…big time. I’ve failed the people I love most because of poor choices and hidden sins. I can never do enough to take away my failures.

Ironically, failure has a bigger part of my story than I ever imagined.

My guess is you’ve failed. You probably failed in 2013. For some, your failure wasn’t that significant. It was fixed with an apology. You were able to make amends. You worked harder and hit the deadline. You found a new job. Your marriage found healing.

For others, your failure was major.  An apology couldn’t fix it. You weren’t given a second chance. Your kids are still wounded. Your wife is considering separation. You’re husband wants a divorce. You’re still looking for a job.

You’ve failed, and you feel like a failure.

Failure is a powerful force in so many of our stories. Failure can discourage. Failure can fracture people and families. Failure can paralyze us from taking a new risk. Failure can cost us more than we ever thought possible.

As we go into a New Year, there is something you need to know.

Failure can’t define us if we allow it to prepare us.

I don’t know what lies ahead for you in 2014, but I know that God can use your biggest failures to prepare you for your greatest calling.

Just because your business failed doesn’t mean you are a failure.

Just because your marriage failed doesn’t mean you’re a failure.

Just because you lost your job doesn’t mean you’ve lost your purpose.

Just because you’ve failed as a parent, doesn’t mean you’re a failure.

This year probably won’t be pain free. This year probably won’t be failure free.

But failure can’t define you if you allow it to prepare you. 

Happy New Year!