How Can We Deal with Failure Biblically?

What Does the Bible Say about Failure?

Failure can be defined as a lack of success or falling short. Sin is moral failure against God and His holiness. We all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The Bible is filled with real stories of failure. Some of the biggest names in the Bible had the greatest failures. Abraham lied and said that his wife Sarah was his sister (Genesis 20:1-3) and tried to give himself an heir with Hagar rather than Sarah who was barren (Genesis 16:2). Moses killed an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-12) and also asked God to send someone else to Pharoah (Exodus 4:12-13). David slept with Bathsheba and killed her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11). Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times on the night that He was betrayed (Luke 22:54-62).

How Does God Deal with Our Failure?

Where we see the failures of others in the Bible, we can see God’s loving-kindness, forbearance, patience, and faithfulness. Without God we would be left without hope in our sin and failures. It is God who can work in all things, even our failure, for our good and His glory.

How Can We Move Forward from Failure?

In our weaknesses, God can be glorified as we turn to Him in trust and let His power work in our lives by the Holy Spirit. As we yield ourselves to Him, assured of His love for us, we can bring our failure to the throne and instead find freedom and forgiveness. Here are some ways that can help us move forward after going through failure:

How Can We Handle the Failures of Others? 

If someone has experienced failure, we can embrace them like the father who ran toward his prodigal son who had asked for his inheritance early and squandered the lot (Luke 15:11-32). When people fail, there can be a time and place for comfort and an opportunity for forgiveness and restoration. They may have tried to do something good, but it did not turn out as they had envisioned. Disappointment, sadness, anger and a sense of loss can accompany us when our best intentions fail. Even in someone’s worst moments, there is a time for coming alongside those who are walking in the shadow of failure.

A Final Reflection on Failure

“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” - Johnny Cash

“You build on Jesus. He is the cornerstone and foundation of faith and He will never fail you. Jesus closes the door on your sin because of the cross, choosing to remember your sin no more. He opens the door for a relationship with Him where He invites you to dwell with Him forever. Your energy, time and space is best spent in knowing Jesus.”