When You Fail At Hard Things
What’s harder than doing hard things? Doing hard things and failing. In response to my article, My First Shower Nearly Killed Me, a reader named Gracie commented, “The hardest part is when you keep pushing yourself harder and harder, and you still fail. I put so much of myself into this one thing and I still failed.”
Maybe you can relate. Like Gracie you’re not really inept, but it can be really hard for you to get good at something. Maybe you have tried to Do Hard Things, and it hasn’t worked. You have failed too many times. So you have given up. You have lost your enthusiasm for pursuing excellence. This post is for you.
Competence Has An Enemy Called Discouragement
This last Saturday I was standing in line to take my SAT World History Subject Test, when a guy behind me started saying, “Yeah, World History is so easy. I didn’t even study for it and I scored 780.”
I wanted to strangle him. In the past two weeks I had watched 15 hours of world history video lectures, read through three different textbooks, and taken multiple practice tests. While he’s ranting about how easy it is I’m still studying my notes and dreaming about breaking 700!
For many of us the biggest enemy to our competence is discouragment—the idea that we were born into the wrong family, in the wrong school district, with the wrong Intelligence Quotient. We understand that not everyone can be Albert Einstein, but we would have settled for average!
To make matters worse, we look around and see people who, because of their natural abilities, can do well at things without even trying. These are the kinds of people who seem to ace tests without studying and then sit down at the piano and sight read Khatchaturian — and we’ll never be like that.
A Lesson From Our Sixteenth President
I remember reading biographies of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, and thinking that he must have had more failures than successes. He had repeated business set-backs and numerous political defeats. By 1856 Lincoln had lost eight elections. At this point most of us would decide to give up and go home. Lincoln decided to run for President — and he won in 1860.
So here’s the encouragement: most often success is not a matter of giftedness or natural ability. Most often it doesn’t come easily — just ask Abraham Lincoln. But the mindset that says, “Do Hard Things” should encourage us that if we keep exerting ourselves, we will build muscle. And we’ll be able to look back at our lives someday and say, “I’m glad I didn’t give up. I’m glad I kept on trying.” Do you think Lincoln was glad he didn’t give up after eight defeats?
Prepared For The Hardest Things
We might think that Lincoln deserved an easy presidency after all that hardship — the reality is that his life of struggles uniquely prepared him for one of the most difficult presidencies in American history: the Civil War presidency. God could have put a fair-weather politician in office during the Civil War, but instead He chose a proven overcomer — and it’s not hard to see why.
In our lives, it might be hard to see why we can’t ace a World History test without dozens of hours of study. Or why we have to work twice as hard to get half the results that other people get.
But you know what? We will have an advantage over all the people who because of their natural abilities can do a lot of things without even trying. Why? Because we will have learned to keep exerting ourselves, keep growing, keep trying — even when it’s really hard.
And the gifted people? They will often get stuck at the level of their gifting. They do what comes easily, but for us everything is a workout — so we will be stronger.
Do Hard Things: Building Faith and Fortitude
So am I saying that we’re all destined to be President? No, that’s not it. Am I letting us all off the hook by saying that it’s OK to be bad at everything? No, that’s not it either. What I am saying is that God’s promise is true when He says that everything works together for good for those who love Him and are called by Him — even repeated failure.
Failure is never wasted if we learn to do the following: (1) turn to God and become more reliant on Him, (2) learn from our mistakes, and (3) get back up and try again. We should pity those who never fail. Their faith and their fortitude must be very weak.
I didn’t share Gracie’s full comment with you at the beginning. She went on to say that what she hadn’t done before was to give things up to God. “Funny how we forget that sometimes,” she wrote, “I guess I’ll just wait until my next math test, study harder, and first and formost, give it to God.”
Gracie’s failure was invaluable because through it she learned to depend on God. Doing hard things has made her faith stronger and birthed in her the mindset of an overcomer, and that’s more important than all the success in the world.
December 4th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
Wow. *winces* I’ve been struggling with this for a few weeks now - attempting and failing every time. I was almost to the point of just giving up, till I read this.
Thanks.
Keep it up and God Bless!
Kp
December 4th, 2006 at 12:36 pm
Wow, guys…thank you. I needed to hear this! Thanks for the encouragement to keep trying and keep learning…it’s much appreciated.
God Bless You!
-Hannah L.
December 4th, 2006 at 12:37 pm
This post could not have come at a better time for me. My honors chem class is killing me. The teacher doesn’t help us prepare for the tests AT ALL, so basically the only way to get a good grade would be to memorize the chapter. Even when I study, I’ve been getting test grades like 72, and even a 63! This is absolutely driving me insane-I’m normally an A student! Even when I try, I do horribly on the tests. The teacher also gives us a list of problems to do for each chapter. They normally take me almost an entire day to finish. Thankyou so much for this reminder that the end result is not the only important thing. It is so reassuring to know that all of my hard work didn’t go to waste!
December 4th, 2006 at 1:11 pm
I’ve been struggling with this very thing the last few days. I will admit, my worst fear is failure, especially failing God. Sometimes I don’t want to try something new or make that vow I know I should because I say to myself, “It’s better not to vow at all than to vow and break your promise.”
A friend of mine helped me through much of this fear. She told me that because we are human, and thus finite, failure by ourselves is inevitable. But because God is infinite, failure with Him is impossible. All God wants is for us to give up, to surrender all, including our failures. He will make them successes. And in the meantime, as Alex (or is it Brett?) told us, we will be stronger for our struggle.
December 4th, 2006 at 1:23 pm
I’ve really struggled with the fear of failure. I’ve been feeling so discouraged-thinking that I’m not only a failure at being “Rebelutionary,” but at following God. I’m in the middle of working on an essay, and… I’m going to keep up the hard work.
Thanks for this timely post.
God bless you, Brett.
December 4th, 2006 at 1:33 pm
Excellent post. I have also struggled with the fear of failure, of being frightened that I wouldn’t make it to the end. It wasn’t until I realized that what matters is the road that I was really able to pick up and make some major steps forward. God wants us to keep the end in mind, I believe, but to do so without worrying about it.
When I decided to forge forward and do what I needed to do, and not worry about failing no matter how hard it was, then I was able to actually get some major things accomplished.
What you said is so very true. Thanks for sharing what God put on your heart.
December 4th, 2006 at 1:46 pm
Wow thanks for the encouragement.
I have a perfectionist personality and feel the sting of failure time and time again. There are many things that I am blessed with and areas where I have been gifted by God. But I have found that though I may be blessed by being able to do somethings with less effort (and study) than others (i.e. math, it is one of my gifts), I have found that unless I do work hard and study well I do not fill true joy. I find that I feel empty and a failure even though I may have aced the test I feel like I don’t deserve it. Because I know that I didn’t do my best, I didn’t “work at it with all my heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Col 3:23 paraphrased). I know that I just did enough to pass and no more, I didn’t give my best for the One how gave His best for me. Thanks for the encourage ment to Do Hard Things and work for things even when you are blessed (gifted).
Your Brother In Christ,
Joshua
December 4th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
Thanks - this was great timing. I really needed this TODAY. Now I’m gonna go and start doing those ‘hard things’ and not give up like I have for the past week. Thank you SO much for writing about this.
December 4th, 2006 at 2:41 pm
Thanks Brett! That’s just what I needed today.
December 4th, 2006 at 3:42 pm
That put me in tears.
Thanks.
December 4th, 2006 at 4:06 pm
Incredibly encouraging post! Lifted my spirits right up.
-David Heustis
December 4th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
Thanks Brett for your timely, yet challenging words. Your post was a source of encouragement and inspiration as I work to overcome the challenges I face, and oftentimes fail at, in life.
December 4th, 2006 at 5:15 pm
Wow. I really needed to hear that. I tend to have a self-focus/pity-party that is totally unhealthy, meaning that once I fail so much, especially if it is something I have my heart set on, then I totally go negative about myself in every area. What I have learned is that no matter whether I win or lose, God is still faithful, and what He wants is ME…He doesn’t want trophies or ribbons or medals or award certificates, He wants my life. Awesomeness…thanks guys!
December 4th, 2006 at 5:29 pm
Wow, I really needed that encouragement! My family is going through a big transition time(we’re moving to another state in about 6 weeks) It puts me in a bad mood sometimes and I tend to snap at people and be generally mean. I keep trying to be kind and loving , but it’s not workibg very well. I know that I can’t do it on my own, so I’m giving it to God. He’s the only One who can give me a clean slate and a second( more like thousandth) chance to be kind to my family. Thanks, Brett, for the encouragement to keep on!
December 4th, 2006 at 5:54 pm
Hi guys, I just wanted to thank you so much for this encouraging article! I’ve been going through a lot of changes lately as far as honoring God and trying to surrender my life to him and I’ve been getting discouragement from the enemy, trying to make me think I haven’t made any progress. It’s hard to press on when you’re getting attacked from every side, this article has given me a huge boost and I really appreciated it. Keep up the good work and keep up the faith!
December 4th, 2006 at 7:35 pm
What an encouraging post. It’s so easy to be discouraged, or annoyed, at those people that are so naturally good at something you are not, something you have to work really hard at — and sometimes still come away with only an average result. But this post was a great reminder and motivator for me to not be disheartened. Truly a blessing. Thanks so much.
December 4th, 2006 at 9:00 pm
Thank you so much for again allowing the Holy Spirit to use you so beautifully. So many of us needed these inspired words…what a faith-filled post!
Your Sister in Christ,
Claire
December 4th, 2006 at 10:23 pm
wow! I so needed to hear that! A friend of mine told me just this afternoon, “Don’t let your past failures get in the way of future blessings!” It’s so true. I’ve been building walls around me because I’m afraid of what could be another failure on my part. I’m so scared of failing. Pretty soon my structure of fear inhibits the work that God wants to do in my life, and makes my very spirit numb. That’s the coward’s way out of failure. Thanks so much for the encouragement!
December 5th, 2006 at 12:02 am
This article could not of come at a better time for me.
Thanks so much for your encouragement.
December 5th, 2006 at 2:26 am
Wow! Thanks…I really needed that.
December 5th, 2006 at 8:33 am
Thanks because I am really struggling with chemistry right now. I know someone else who is too and I am going to tell them to read this, too.!
December 5th, 2006 at 8:43 am
ouch.
I’ve been failing in some of my school lately… not by the world’s standards, but by God’s. Others think I’m thriving, but I’ve been content to rest with the gifts God has given me, and not push myself to the capacity where God would have me be.
I don’t “like” this post.. but it was good. Very good.
Thank you very much for your encouragment.. and admonishment.
December 5th, 2006 at 9:15 am
Wonderful post, my friends! Thank you! I’m usually the person who gives up before even trying, sadly. Everything seems hard to me, even things others might think I can do well always seem like Mt. Everest from my perspective. And yet, I appreciate your encouragement with regards to becoming stronger and growing through the process. Wise and wonderful words to remember! Yes, God is always faithful to give us grace and power to do His will! How very encouraging!
I did want to say one other thing. Hopefully, I will say this in the right way and if I say it in the wrong way, please forgive me.
I think it’s wise to realize that often people we consider “gifted,” who don’t seem to have to work at things, really indeed struggle in this area too. My wonderful brother is this way—gifted in many areas. And yet, he has to work very hard—harder than most, to achieve certain things. Some things come easily, but others are an intense struggle. I believe this is true for all of us—even the ones who are gifted. Perhaps it’s best to consider this? Maybe even the person you met at the SAT test has something in his life that’s very hard for him to attain. I would imagine he does, just in a different area.
To be perfectly honest, I always have considered you both incredibly gifted in countless areas, but I know that you also work diligently to attain the things you do. At first glance, someone might think these things come easily for you, but you and those who know you well would likely testify differently. Maybe it’s good to realize that we all struggle and should encourage one another, even the gifted ones or those who appear gifted to continue persevering? They likely need encouragement too.
December 5th, 2006 at 9:54 am
Thank you so much for writing and posting this. It’s very encouraging to realize that everyone goes through struggles with feeling like a failiure or thinking of giving up. However, like you said, we need to strive even harder, with God’s help.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:13 pm
You brought up some VERY good points. Thank you SO MUCH for posting that.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:14 pm
Great job, Brett- this was an enjoyable and thought-provoking post. I would also mention (don’t know if this has been brought up) that the hardest thing to do is live a sinless life. Although we should always feel conviction and the need to change after we sin, we can never give into self-pity or despair- luckily for all of us, God’s grace has covered everything we have and will ever do. Sanctification is the thing we all have to try the hardest on, but we know that God is right by our side
December 5th, 2006 at 1:48 pm
I definitely have been struggling with Kakorrhaphiophobia!
Praise God for His amazing love / grace to know whats the ABSOLUTE BEST for us in strengthening us in everything :] and thank you!
December 5th, 2006 at 3:29 pm
Very true. Failure can be so hard, but it’s only through failure that you truly grow and learn. I’ve been learning that lately. It’s so easy to just give up. But God is not giving up on me. He’s still working and will keep working. My dad preached on that two weeks ago, how we don’t need to be discouraged about failure, we need to keep going and try again. God wants progress, not perfection. Thanks for that post. It was excellent!
December 5th, 2006 at 5:23 pm
this is such a struggle point for a lot of teenagers… I think then it becomes, no one even wants to try for fear of failure and that can be destructive a lot of times… I know because I’ve done it too… I have tried out for the youth worship team at my church 5 times and never got on… now my junior year in high school - I didn’t even audition and our worship pastor comes up to me and asked me to play my violin on a Sunday morning… with the band… to the song Majesty… in front of over a thousand people! I was so scared - until Pastor Ryan reminded me that the only fear I should have is for GOD… and it’s for Him, not the people on church… he told me I had a gift that I could use to glorify God… it was way cool and I was really nervous until I said to God quietly, “This is for you..” and played my heart out! I felt such joy and peace and I know that if I get that opportunity again, I will do it, because I know who it’s for!
Thanks alex and brett - you guys are such an inspiration to me!
December 6th, 2006 at 1:13 am
Fantastic article!!
December 6th, 2006 at 6:59 am
Good points! I’m a perfectionist, and i fear failure. This semester God has been showing me that’s because my worth and value was in my academics and achievements, instead of in HIM. Outside of Him we are totally worthless, and a lot of my success just brings glory to ME, instead of to Him. but in my failures He is glorfied, and I get to see Him doing all sorts of things that I wouldn’t see if I was perfect.
December 6th, 2006 at 9:57 am
I regret to inform you that Spunky Homeschool has been discontinued. Please update your blogroll accordingly.
December 6th, 2006 at 10:02 am
Rhetorical Rhesponse has also been discontinued.
December 6th, 2006 at 10:05 am
As you can see, I’ve been wandering around the blogosphere a lot. Spunky Jr. has also been discontinued (I need a differend word than “discontinued”!!!).
December 6th, 2006 at 1:19 pm
Thanks, Detective J. We’re aware that those blogs have been discontinued, but we’ve intentionally left them on our blogroll because of the many excellent posts that remain, even without updates.
In the future, feel free to let us know about things like that by emailing us. That way we can keep the comments sections on topic. =) Thanks again!
December 6th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
WOW - I guess when I left that comment I didn’t realize how many people related to me. I just wanted to add one thing. God demands that we strive for perfection. And sometimes, me above all other people, don’t like that. The reason it’s so hard is because we’ll never be perfect, at least not until we get to Heaven. But I think we should remember one crucial thing. God WILL reward our efforts in Heaven. I recently made a commitment to God that I wanted my whole life to be His, and His alone. It was hard, especially because I’m such a control freak, but giving Him everything, all my hopes, dreams, disappointments, fears, heartbreaks, wants, EVERYTHING, was like taking this GIANT suitcase that had been tied to my back and just giving it to Him. I wish I could better describe how great that feels, but I can’t. I can say this, You are still going to struggle. You are still going to fall. But what matters is how you pick yourself up, and who you give the glory to when you succeed; because you can’t do anything on your own.
by the way - I passed my math test
December 6th, 2006 at 3:33 pm
Thanks! I know exactly what its like to fail. In 2004 I purchased my Brittany “Chloe”. After a year or so she aquired a ear infection. I tried every thing from minor ear washes to sterioids. Nothing worked! A few months ago I was praying over it when it dawned on me that all though I had trusted God when purchasing her I had never “Given” her to God. I did it right then. The next day when I looked in her ear the infection was gone.I think about it now as the best lesson I’ve ever learned.
Thanks agian!
December 6th, 2006 at 5:30 pm
Do you guys have any advice for the competent people?
I’ve felt intimidated by people before because they’re really gifted at things; I’ve even had to avoid friends and family, people I love very much, because they’re so much better at things that being around them depresses me. Even I have problems: the one thing I’m good at, I’ve intimidated other people.
I don’t like doing that. I don’t think many competent people try to discourage others. Just–it’s hard–what do you do to avoid it?
December 7th, 2006 at 5:29 am
Thank you for that encouragement.
December 7th, 2006 at 6:40 am
I think, that as a competent person, you just have to be considerate. Encourage the dicouraged, give them advice, and don’t neccessarily be as good at something as you possibly can be. An example of this is for an extrodinarily talented athelete. When he’s playing with a bunch of Kindergartners, we could not play up to his ability in order to make things fun for everyone.
December 8th, 2006 at 11:39 am
Wow… so encouraging! The idea and theme of integrity is one that has held my attention for the past several months, and this is a huge part of it… the truth of ‘do hard things’, and striving to do the best with what God has set before me in the moment, no matter what else is going on around me… what my family and friends think of what I am and, rather, am not doing right now, and how in some ways I can’t measure up to what they expect, though it’s good. It really used to get me down and sometimes it still does, comparing myself to them and what they are accomplishing. But learning all this isn’t so much from the motive of just being content with wehre I am in life and learning to do things well, but moreso the idea of mastering this one part of a life that will please God and reflect Him well to others. Thanks for all you write on here… your articles have brought turning points in my perspective on life and my faith. Don’t let up!
December 8th, 2006 at 11:50 am
On a small, but not too far off topic, tangent that parallels with Charlie. There have been times, too, that I have sat down for a test and someone starts going on about how easy this is going to be. They are being completely oblivious and hurtful to those around them that are going to struggle through this test despite their studying for it. There is a distinction between sharing that you did excellent on something (Praise God!) and gloating at your accomplishments. Unfortunately, this attitude seems to be prevalent in Home Schooling circles (I was homeschooled through High School graduation) who typically measure themselves as better educated and therefore smarter than those who weren’t Homeschooled. There may be a time for sharing accomplishments in light of God’s grace, but I think that we should really remember to not regard ourselves more highly than we ought and to look out for the needs of others! It’s an area we all must work at.
December 19th, 2006 at 2:18 pm
Wow. Thank you for posting that. I really needed to hear that. I have been discouraged because I can’t seem to find a way to do hard things…your post reminded me to keep trying…and that sometimes hard things are things we do every day. I needed to hear that failure builds character. thanks again so much. I…will read this post again..and again
Keep up the good work! you are blessing so many people through this site!
December 19th, 2006 at 2:21 pm
And another note, I just read one of the comments, that that person was worried about failing God, and I realized, hey , that’s me, and hey, what you wrote makes sense. I am just realizing that even though you fail at being a kind, compassionate person, God won’t give up on you and falure is good. wow. a double-whammy this one is!
December 20th, 2006 at 6:59 pm
Thanks guys, this really hit home. I mean I knew in my head. But sometimes someone else has to say it for it to make sense in your heart.
Thank you so much for this blog! I’m so encouraged every time I come on here. It refreshes me and I’m ready to go out and face my dark courner of the world! (San Francisco, CA
God bless you brothers!!!
January 2nd, 2007 at 4:27 pm
This is really encouraging!! Keep up the good work! I’ll be praying!!!!!!!
February 26th, 2007 at 5:53 am
well, this article indeed helped me a lot. i mean, i’m not the risk-taker type. i always play things safely and most likely to give up when facing hard times. what can i say, man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to leave the shore. oh and i love Lincoln so much. i respect him because he proved to me that there’s no harm in trying, that we learn from our failures…try and try until you succeed!!! cliche but true indeed.
April 13th, 2007 at 3:28 am
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brett!
I really needed this!
Thanx Again. God Bless you!
May 2nd, 2007 at 11:53 am
Wow! That’s probably the best posts I’ve read on your blog so far.
A lot of times I can fool myself into thinking I’m working really hard, but I’m really not. So I end up getting all discouraged, and giving up before I’ve really tried.
Anyway, that was very encouraging…thanks!
May 5th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Last week, I didn’t get into the internship I wanted to get into, a scholarship summer program and I didn’t pass my “practice” AP Calculus exam or my practice AP Physics C exam…I felt sooo discouraged, that I was thinking of not majoring in Biophysics anymore, but in floor cleaning. The reason why I was so discouraged, was because I studied hard for those tests and I wanted to get the internship ever since from last year (I didn’t get in last year either) and I put my all into the scholarship summer program’s application. I was just about to give up, but God really brought me here. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement!
Continue doing this, you really made my day.
May God Bless you all
May 8th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Hi!! Yeah i know about failure. My family & I have been building a house fo five years it has taken a long time to get where we are today,But I thank GOD every day for it to get here.
Your brother in christ. Andrew Sparks.
June 12th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
“And the gifted people? They will often get stuck at the level of their gifting. They do what comes easily, but for us everything is a workout — so we will be stronger.”
They will not be stuck at their level of gifting if they try to invent challenges for themselves.
An example might be a girl who can crochet really well who challenges herself by learning to crochet with her other hand as well.
June 14th, 2007 at 4:44 am
Great article! The whole “Do Hard Things” is really encouraging, but I have a question. How do you develop an attitude that relects that? I’ve been struggling with school, I have the ability and I know that, but I just can’t seem to be able to push myself. Consequently I’ve been getting pretty lousy grades. Basiclly I seriously need a wake up call. I know what I need to do but, school can seriously get overwhelming… This is my last year, for which I’m grateful, but I relly need to get things together… which I can’t do without Jesus. My attitude towards my education needs an overhaul…
August 8th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Hmm, very encouraging! Esp. as I face some huge changes and challenges. Praise Jesus for His strength!
Thank you for sharing!
September 6th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
What’s Khatchaturian?
Ruth:
Crochet with the other hand??? You mean crochet left-handed? Interesting idea- but what purpose would it serve? You would still be using both hands. Why not learn something else, like the book of Proverbs or the Russian language or how to build a computer?
September 23rd, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Wow. I’m relatively new to therebelution and this article was awesome. I wish I could have had this earlier in my life when I was really struggling. But I had to learn this the hard way and had some of the same problems in my spanish class as the example of history class in the article. This article really helped confirm in me what God has been saying to me about my own life. Thanks for this article and for the entire site. It’s truly a blessing!
January 15th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Would you mind telling us who writes what (article-wise)? Thank-you.
January 17th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I printed this article and the one before it for this girl I hang out with. We both were struggling with the fact that we work hard in school, and it doesn’t show. Whereas, other kids who do half as much ace the tests and boast about their grades, making the rest of us super discouraged. It wasn’t fair…it’s like that encounter with the kid who scored 780 on the World History SAT and didn’t even study. I’m still awaiting her comments on it, but it has been very encouraging for me. Thanks =)
February 24th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Well as Jocelyn said before me, I’ve had frustrating encounters with those I know who don’t have to work hard to do well in school. And I hope I don’t sound arrogant here but I’m going to say that in one instance, I’m the one who doesn’t have to try hard.
To be perfectly honest with you all, I don’t even really like Biology that much, but for some reason (no lie) I don’t even have to read the text to completely ace test after test. I was surprised at first cause I felt I’d bomb test after test for not studying but it was the opposite!
As a result of this, I’ve found myself delinquent in my school work as it relates to Bio and seem to be doing the bare minimum (for me) which is below the bare minimum reqirements… like do the Homework!
So my question for you all is, for things that come easy to us, how to we NOT get stuck at our skill level, but learn to do even better, and more importantly, for God’s glory?
April 9th, 2008 at 4:48 am
This was a good post. My Pastor/Principal/Teacher (he’s all the same guy - haha) was giving us these steps to being a leader - wether you were born with the gift he says all Christians have the ability to lead others. He also told us that an important part of being a leader is being willing to fail and then step up and try again. So just think about that - be willing to fail and then learn from them! Have a God-centered day!!!
May 10th, 2008 at 9:02 am
This really helped me because I can really relate to failure. I hate failing! But this has helped me to feel better when I do do hard things and end up failing,(which is often, at least i feel). Thanks for the encouragement!!! It’s nice to know that there are people like you guys who really care and understand who we can turn to when we need some encouragement and advice. Thanks again! Keep up the awesome work!
Your sister in Christ,
Melissa
P.S. When I put a reply down, can other people read it like I can read there’s? I know it sounds really stupid and i know your probably thinking “well duh”, but i would like to know because i don’t want to say anything that really is stupid. Thanks!
May 11th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Try
Set your sights above your head
And always keep them high.
And don’t allow it to be said
You ever failed to try.
For trying is the all of life
And if you struggle so
That you are always in a strife
You’ll high and higher go.
And as you face life’s rugged hill,
Keep climbing for the top.
And if you never reach it still,
You can’t be called a flop.
Yes,always try to do your best
And don’t sit down crying.
No one can say he’s no success
Who goes through life,trying.
Wesley Yonts
I t may not be biblical, but I think it holds truth and fits here still.
Blessings
Gabriela
May 28th, 2008 at 10:44 am
that’s a great article. i do, however, have a question: this past semester, i’ve realized how much i depend on my natural ability to get through college fairly well–in fact, this semester, my talent failed me. my grades, surprisingly, turned out well, but i realized how much time i wasted trying to get by instead of pursuing excellence in all things. now all i have left is my fourth year of college…i fear it’s too late to make a difference. so now i’m left empty, and even more frightened, in a sense, of my future. what can i do? does God still accept me? does the gospel still apply to me, though i’ve fallen short of His glory, and have even discarded it to some extent, in exchange for fun, for ease? how do you minister to the competent who have realized the futility of “just getting by”, and perhaps, their incompetence?
May 30th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Lindsey: If you’re truly repentant and willing to go along with God’s way, no matter what, then YES He definitely still accepts you. Jesus saw your failure and took the punishment for it because He wants you and He’s unwilling to let you just go away. And yes the Gospel still applies to you (see Matthew 12:31).
Though I’m not sure how “you minister to the competent who have realized the futility of “just getting by”, accepting 1 John 1:7-2:1 has helped me ( I shared a similar experience with you). Taking the time to stop and choose to do what I know is right, however small and/or hard it is helps me to change and honor God by obeying His Word. I’m not perfect at it (I mess up 8 out of 10 times), but He’s your strength and my strength too. Through Him, I’m getting better and so can you.
Don’t give up.
Will be prayingfor you
July 8th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Here I am, hearing my heartbeat.
I hear You. All You.
Here You are, smiling at me,
You hear me, yes, me.
I’m poor, I’m needy.
My heart’s wounded within me.
Here I am, feeling my heart bleed.
But it’s all good, all good.
Here you are, comforting me,
it’s Your throne, all yours.
I forget and forget,
the throne is taken,
and i’ve been delivered.
*Something i wrote inspired by Psalm 109:22. My friend actually helped me to make a song with this. I’ve been truly blessed by it, and i think the greater blessing comes from giving and sharing. Our God is good. =) Please keep writing. I’ll keep reading.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:14 am
…nice and very timely..this had inspired me a lot…i had been given chances to do good in my NCM subject(my major subject for this semester)…and tomorrow will be the last…i had failed to grab almost all the chances that was given to me because of some circumstances that i missed to anticipate…I am really praying and studying hard to make it by tomorrow…
thank you for the inspiration…it had really helped me a lot to overcome the frustration i am feeling right now…
thank you very much…
God bless..
August 29th, 2008 at 8:59 am
This is so beautiful! The way it speaks to me, encourages me, is amazing. There are those times when you do the hard things, but somehow you mess up, and God’s feeling of joy and grace that’s supposed to hold you through everything has disappeared.
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:
“LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you’d walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me.”
The LORD replied:
“My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you.”
( written by Mary Stevenson)
I think this is a really encouraging poem, that even when we fail miserably God is still there. He still cares, and He won’t abandon us to the man-eating sharks.
Kyriana