Failure can be a teacher as it humbles us and leads to a more teachable spirit. Reflecting on my life, I know that some of my most significant failures, both on the job and spiritually, have led me to become a different person. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come![1]
When we have major failures in life, it becomes evident that we need to change and to do so, we need the Lord’s assistance. Peter experienced a significant failure when he denied he knew Jesus. Earlier in the evening, Jesus warned Peter that satan wanted to sift him like wheat. Jesus then told Peter: Luke 22:32 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.” [2] Like many of us, Peter did not see his failure coming even when warned because his pride blinded him.
Failure Can Open Our Eyes
Luke 22:34 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.” [3] After Jesus’ arrest, Peter followed Him to the home of the High Priest. In the courtyard, Peter denied knowing Jesus in three separate instances, including a lowly servant girl.
As Peter denied Jesus the third time, suddenly, a rooster crowed. Luke 22:62 And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly. [4] Sometimes, we don’t realize failures are opportunities for God to transform us. We may want mountain-top experiences to glorify God and feel good about ourselves. Yet, in the valley of life, we experience God’s mercy, grace, and compassion, which show us His great love for us even in failure.
Failure is a precious gift the Lord uses to awaken us to something better for our lives. Peter would never again deny Jesus. That time of failure in the High Priest’s courtyard was a turning point in his life.
Failure Can be a Dynamic Learning Experience
Actual failure only exists when we don’t get back up and learn from what happened. A potter doesn’t make perfect clay pots each time. Isaiah 64:8And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. [5]
The Apostle Paul persecuted believers until Jesus knocked him off his horse and blinded him on the way to Damascus. The Lord sent Ananias to pray for him three days later, and his sight was restored. Through this, Paul repented and came to faith. This experience, like Peter’s, was a turning point in his life. Perhaps you are in a situation right now that is a colossal failure, yet the Lord is using this to draw you closer to him and bring good out of it. But you must allow the Lord to work in your life.
To learn how failure can be a teacher, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-real-battle
[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (2 Co 5:17). (1984). Zondervan.
[2-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.