Devotional Break

This is from a devotional that my dad sent me toward the end of April. I was going over in my head recently how my running has not been heading in the direction I was hoping. I am not in the shape I hoped to be, even though my running has stayed consistent and I have tried to push myself by adding in varying runs, lengths, and speeds, but I have yet to see results. Actually my longer runs have decreased and my "happy pace" went from 8:20/8:40 to about 9:10/9:30. This was very discouraging, and to be honest I still feel disappointed. 

The big BUT here is that my body is telling me something, and I need to listen. Either I need to stay steady for now and get back into my groove or my diet and/or techniques need some adjusting. This is not failure, even though it feels like it in the moment. Although the title of this devotional is "Learning From Failure" failure only comes when we let it be so. Failure can easily be turned into a lesson, an experience, and ultimately an encouragement.

This not only pertains to running or other physical activities, but all aspects of our lives. I hope you find it refreshing and helpful. 


Learning From Failure

Luke 22:31-34

The disciple Peter was a man of great faith and bold action. But as readers of the New Testament know, his brash style sometimes led him to make humiliating mistakes. More than once, this disciple had to wear the label of "miserable failure" rather than that of "obedient servant."

We can all relate when it comes to falling short of expectations. Obedience to God is a learning process, and failure is a part of our development as humble servants. When we yield to temptation or rebel against God's authority, we realize that sin has few rewards, and even those are fleeting.

Failure is an excellent learning tool, as Peter could certainly attest. Through trial and error, he discovered that humility is required of believers (John 13:5-14); that God's ways are higher than the world's ways (Mark 8:33); and that one should never take his eyes off Jesus (Matt. 14:30). He took each of those lessons to heart and thereby grew stronger in his faith. Isn't that Romans 8:28 in action? God caused Peter's failures to be put to good use as training material because the disciple was eager to mature and serve.

God doesn't reward rebellion or wrongdoing. However, by His grace, He blesses those who choose repentance and embrace chastisement as a tool for growth.

We would probably all prefer to grow in our faith without ever making a mistake before God's eyes, but we cannot deny that missteps are instructive. Failure teaches believers that it is much wiser and more profitable to be obedient to the Lord. That's a lesson we all should take to heart.