Falling Down

Devotional for Tuesday, February 16, 1999 by Michael Steckel

When I was younger I was so afraid of failing at something. When I used to go to karate tournaments, my nerves were just shot because I was so worried about failing. Failing was not an option that I enjoyed and to fail at something then meant that I was a failure. But as I have grown older and matured a bit, I have found that, in order to succeed, I must take chances, and because I take chances I then may fail, but that does not mean I am a failure. We are only failures if we let those failures keep us down. If we can learn from those failures and get back up and try again, then there is growth there.

This holds true for our spiritual growth as well. For our faith to grow it must be tested. We may not always pass the test that God puts before us, but if we learn nothing from these failures, then our growth is stunted. Today's verse says, "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again." If we let an object keep us down and block our way, we can never go forward. If we rise up and overcome the object that is blocking us then we may continue to go forward. While I still do not enjoy failing, I have come to learn that failure provides chances for me to grow, and what is more joyful than growing in our relationship with God!

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for showing me that failure can lead to growth, and that through growth I may come to know you better and to serve you better. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Michael Steckel <steckel@uspacenet.com>
Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

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