Lessons on Failure and Success

9:12 AM

I have failed the drivers test three times. You see, I do not test well. I get nervous, and I make a bunch small mistakes so I get flunked. This has been very hard for me, because I do not accept failure in myself well. I get upset at myself for making mistakes, for not doing what I know I can do, and for not reaching a goal I have set for myself as soon as I wanted to. It is so embarrassing to be nineteen and not have my driver’s license.


God has been using the experience to teach me some very important lessons about failure and success. One of the biggest lessons has come in the form of this question; does God love me more when I am successful, or when I fail? Is God pleased more by me reaching my goals, or by me falling short? The answer to that has been life changing for me as I am sure it will be to all those who accept it.


I grew up with people around me telling me things like; “When you sin, it is like you are hanging Christ on the cross all over again.” “God can’t look at your sin, so beg for forgiveness as soon as you can so that you can be right with God.” But neither of these statements are biblical or helpful. They are merely guilt trips, often for people, like me, who already feel awful about what we have done. It says in the Bible that Jesus (part of our all knowing God) died once for all, so how than can future sins put him back on the cross? And if God cannot look on sin, what was he doing in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve had sinned?


I am not perfect; I have known that for a long time. I make mistakes, I do wrong things, and I will be the first to admit that. However, nothing I do can separate me from the love of my Abba Father. No heights of success, no depths of failure can separate me from his love. No amount of Bible study or lack thereof will endear me to Him or push me away from Him. No amount of works or laziness will make me more or less acceptable to him.


I am God's kid, he knows I am going to fail, he knows I am going to succeed and like a good dad, he loves me through both. So whether I pass my next drivers test or fail it, I know that my Heavenly Father still loves me. Whether I complete the Bible in six months challenge or not, my God still wants to know me. Whether or not I ever publish my book, upkeep this blog, or write an article ever again, I am still acceptable to Jesus.


Praise you Father, Lord of heaven and earth for your wonderful, amazing love.

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3 comments

  1. Sarah, I am sorry that you haven't passed the driver's test but don't worry because you will pass. I didn't pass the driver's test the first time (and they actually said that they don't like to pass teen drivers on the first time) but the next time I did. I'll be praying for you!

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  2. I absolutely feel that as Christians, we overlook (I overlook) God's grace.

    You are right, that God loves us regardless of success or failure. God does not measure what we do in this life by our yardstick, but by His. An in his sight, we are his lovrd and adored children.

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  3. I love this post. You are always so encouraging. Thank you Srah for being to open and honest.
    Love you, Rose.

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