Failure

July 19, 2006

By Croft M. Pentz

Everyone faces failure. It’s tempting to give up, feeling, “Why should I try? I’ll only fail again.” Many who possess great potential never use it because of past failure.

Dr. Seuss had millions of his books for children published. Before being published, he thought he was a failure. His first manuscript was rejected by 23 publishers. It was published on his 24th submission.

Thomas A. Edison had thousands of his experiments fail. Failure only caused him to press on. He didn’t quit. He wouldn’t give up. He obtained more patents than any other person. He turned failure into success.

The prophet Micah said when failing, he would rise again (Micah 7:8). Paul said we may be knocked down, but not knocked out (2 Corinthians 4:9).

Peter was a failure, denying Jesus. He overcame, becoming a great preacher of the gospel. The apostle Paul forgot past failures (Philippians 3:13).

Make a U-turn. Forget the past and find God’s forgiveness. Overcome failure in God’s strength so it does not overcome you.

Croft M. Pentz writes “Healing for the Hurting” for The Record Herald of Waynesboro, Pa.