Tag: failure

  • Let me hold your hand

    It was said of Jesus—“He will not fail nor be discouraged…,” (Isaiah 42:4).

    No one could say that about me—at least part of the time because I do fail and am discouraged. When I fail, it’s generally when I took off head strung on my own before consulting anyone. I become discouraged when the right words don’t magically appear on my paper or computer screen within my presumed exact timing. I become frustrated and agitated at myself and anyone near me. It’s best to keep your distance from me until the dilemma becomes resolved.

    Good to know I know Someone who never fails or becomes discouraged—my heavenly Father. He’s the one who “called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand” (Isaiah 42:6).  God wants me to call on Him in times of trouble and perplexity. He wants to hold my hand, to guide each written or spoken word, and lead me beside still waters. God also leads through the turbulent seas.

    He’s there for me if I ask. Do you sense His presence too? Can you call on His matchless name and put your hand in His?

    Father, thank you for being my perfect role model: no hate, no fear of failure or discouragement. Help me look to You at the first sign of discouragement.

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  • Fresh start

    “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).

    Are you feeling heavy hearted or downcast like me? I blew it another time! I wonder if God will reject me and label me a big failure? Where do I start to pick up the pieces?

    I find courage and strength in King David’s 27th Psalm. If I wait on God, he will strengthen my heart and give me courage to pick myself up again. Oh God, my Rock, give me a fresh start. And before I forget it, thank you for a brand new day so I can start clean again.  

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  • Thick skin

    “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

    The question isn’t if we fail, it’s when we fail. We all fail in one area or another and cannot be good at everything all the time. I have my strengths and weaknesses, and so do you. The problem isn’t in the failing, but in the getting up, dusting off, and starting over again. It’s much easier to give up than to get up, isn’t it? Sometimes it’s a matter of pride. Do I get up again and start all over? Or, would it be easier just to quit and pretend I never started?

    If I rise up after taking a stumble (like receiving rejection letters from disinterested editors), Emerson claims this is great glory. I try to reason with myself and say, that’s only one publishing company—there’s many more out there to pursue.

    Lord, I pray for stamina and a thick skin to withstand rejection and failing. I know I will fail in some pursuits, but I also know this is part of life.

    Is there some project you’ve been meaning to complete?  Or a new craft or skill you’d like to learn more about? What would be the first step to tackle that idea? What’s to stop you today from beginning step #1?

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