Failure Can Be A Stepping Stone

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

Failure is part of life. It is often the bottom line in our fears. We fear failing, but for some people, failure is a stepping stone. Their failure makes them stronger and results in greater success. We see that played out in business, research, sports and every other aspect of life. For others, however, failure is not easy to overcome and stays with them for years to come. It causes them to shy away from taking the steps God wants them to take because they just might fail. The truth is, you may fail taking the next step. You may fail taking the next step after that. And the one after that.

Nehemiah was an old testament figure living a thousand miles from Jerusalem. He had risen to prominence as the cupbearer to the king of Persia, and was living the high life. One day, he asked some friends who had visited Jerusalem how the people in the city were doing. Their answer would change Nehemiah’s life:, “They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” (Nehemiah 1:3) When Nehemiah heard this, it was like a shot to the gut. For days he mourned, fasted and prayed to God. Nehemiah had a burden to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall. 

I believe God is doing exactly the same thing in the hearts of His people today. God is calling us to step out of our comfort zone and to do something. You don’t have to be a pastor, a missionary, or a super-spiritual star or hero. All you need is a willingness to overcome your fear, step out of your comfort zone and trust Him.

It may be something as simple as just walking across the room to talk to someone you normally would have ignored. Or inviting your neighbor over for coffee or taking a co-worker to lunch to see how they’re doing.

Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone like Nehemiah did and live for something bigger than yourself.

Discussion Questions:

1. Failure can be a negative or a potential positive. Which applies to you? 
2. What can we do to step out of our comfort zone this week?