We’ve all heard in recent years of high profile pastors that have fallen in some way. If nothing else, that trend shows us that none of us is exempt from failing and failure. I pray that none of you fail in a way that is public or devastating. But I know that all of us have and will fail – relationally, spiritually, physically, and in other ways as well.
It’s not a matter of if, but when. Then, it’s a matter of not if we will respond, but how we will respond. When I’ve blown it leading a meeting, in a relationship matter, as a supervisor, or with my family, I can tell you how I’ve grown from learning from my failures – and when I’ve continued down a dark tunnel when I haven’t.
There are two kinds of people in the world – those who let their failures and circumstances influence their enthusiasm and faith and those who let their enthusiasm and faith influence their circumstances and failures. The following seven truths about failure will help position you to be ready for the next failure that comes your way or the one you’re still reeling from. It is Essential for the Godly Leader to know, understand and take to heart these truths.
7 TRUTHS ABOUT FAILURE:
#1 – IT HAPPENS TO EVERYONE.
Proverbs 24:16: The Godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
Failure is not fatal or defining; it happens to everyone. We would love to be perfect and never mess up, but that’s not going to happen unless you are Jesus or are in heaven. Whether you’ve tripped up 7 times or 77 times, shake it off and start over! Godly Leaders realize that failure is a part of life.
#2 – YOU ARE FORGIVEN.
1 John 1:9: But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
You are not a failure. When we fail, it’s simply one point in time. The great news is that Jesus is with you and just wants you to confess (which means to tell Him the sin He already knows) and ask for forgiveness. When you do, you are forgiven! Godly Leader, it is Essential to ask for and know that you are forgiven!
#3 – THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION.
Romans 8:1-2: So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
When we fail, the second car in that train is often condemnation. There is no condemnation for those in Christ; we need that truth to be the third car in the failure train. The Holy Spirit wants to free you from those thoughts! Godly Leaders don’t allow the false narrative of condemnation to affect their futures after failing.
#4 – THE LORD IS NEAR AND YOUR STRENGTH.
Psalm 37:23-24: The Lord directs the steps of the Godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Jesus is the answer to our failure. The Lord is your strength. He is there for you on your best days and on your worst days. Call on Him, and He will answer you!
#5 – HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT.
2 Corinthians 12:9: My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
God’s grace is all you need. It’s grace to cover your wrongs and grace to overcome weakness and move forward in strength. Godly Leaders know that it is Essential to grab ahold of His grace and don’t let it go!
#6 – FORGET THE PAST.
Philippians 3:13-14: No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Take Paul’s advice: move ahead. Don’t allow that train to be continually pulling behind you. It’s over. Move on. Jesus is calling you onward!
#7 – YOUR BEST DAYS ARE AHEAD!
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
God has big plans for you and wants to use your failures for His good. It is vital and Essential that as Godly Leaders we personally look ahead to God’s best for our lives and that we lead those in our influence to do the same!
We could talk a lot more on this topic, but we’ll leave it there for now. What are your thoughts or questions? Leave them in the comments.
If you found this blog helpful or thought-provoking, please SUBSCRIBE below to receive a new blog in your email every other Tuesday morning. Also, if you think this blog would benefit others, please share it on social media or tell a few friends about it!
Love being on this Essential Godly Leadership journey with you!
Essential Godly Leadership: “Leading your life, your family, your work, your relationships, and your world in a way that is seeking wisdom from, and pleasing to, the Lord Jesus.”