Don’t be so arrogant to think God can’t work through your failures
March 3, 2023 – By Jeromy Ford
My heart could not be stirred more after watching The Jesus Revolution. There was a scene where Pastor Chuck was filled with doubt about his calling and to say his right or wrong decisions along the way. In the scene, Kay Smith (Pastor Chuck’s wife), says to him, “Don’t be so arrogant to think God can’t work through your failures!” Time seemed to stand still as I embraced those words in my life also.
The concept of failure is one that is often feared, avoided, or even despised in today’s society. We are taught to strive for success, to achieve our goals, and to avoid any setbacks or missteps along the way. However, what we often fail to recognize is that failure can be a valuable opportunity for growth, learning, and even for divine intervention.
In Christianity, it is believed, and I believe, that God can work through our failures to guide us towards a more fulfilling path. This concept is rooted in the belief that failure is not necessarily a negative thing, but rather a necessary part of the human experience. Through our failures, we can learn important lessons, shape our character, and ultimately become the best version of ourselves.
However, there is a certain arrogance in believing that our failures are meaningless or insignificant, or that they cannot be used for a greater purpose. This mindset often leads to a fear of failure, a lack of resilience, and a reluctance to take risks or try new things. It is only when we embrace our failures and recognize their potential value that we can truly grow and develop as individuals.
Many examples of this concept can be found in the Bible, where many of the greatest biblical figures experienced failure before achieving success. The greatest example of this is, The Cross.
Jesus’ death on the cross was initially seen as a failure by his followers, but it ultimately led to his resurrection and the salvation of humanity. In this example, failure was not the end of the story, but rather a necessary step in the path towards success and ultimately God’s Plan of Salvation.
From Samson to Paul there are many stories of God using men’s failures to make know his work and his grace. Whether it was to defeat the Philistines or to pen the Epistles, God has always used man’s shortcomings, man’s weakness, and ultimately our failures to make known his strength and his grace through our weakest moments.
The concept of failure is not limited to religious or spiritual beliefs, however. In psychology, the concept of “failing forward” has gained popularity in recent years. This concept emphasizes the importance of learning from our failures and using them as a stepping stone towards success. By reframing failure as an opportunity for growth and learning, we can overcome the fear of failure and develop resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges.
In conclusion, the statement, “Don’t be so arrogant to think God can’t work through your failures”, carries a powerful message that applies not only to Christianity, but to all aspects of life. Failure is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather embraced as a necessary part of the human experience. By recognizing the potential value of our failures and trusting in God and sometimes ourselves, to learn and grow, we can overcome the obstacles that stand in our way and allow Gods Grace to choose the debased things of this world to confound not only our wisdom but the wisdom of others so God can glorify himself. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
