1. Failure is not your identity

“I may fail, but I will never be a failure” John Hobbs

1 Corinthians 12:27

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Ephesians 2:10 NLT

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

John 1:12

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

1 Kings 8:17-18

Now it was [determined] in the heart of my father David to build a house (temple) for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. But the LORD said to my father David, “Because it was in your heart to build a house for My name, you did well, in that it was in your heart.”

2. God can redeem failures

Genesis 37:27-28 NLT

Instead of hurting him, let’s sell him to those Ishmaelite traders. After all, he is our brother—our own flesh and blood!” And his brothers agreed. So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph’s brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the traders took him to Egypt.

 

Acts 15:39-41

Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas… Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

3. Failures are opportunities for growth

Hebrews 13:5b NLT

For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

Psalm 23:4-6 NLT

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

4. How to fail forward:

A. Reflect and process with the Lord

Psalm 139:23-24 NLT

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

“What caused the failure: the situation, someone else, or self?” John Maxwell

B. How can I grow from what happened?

“I learned more from one restaurant that didn’t work than from all the ones that were successes.” Wolfgang Puck

Maintain a teachable attitude, look for anything that can be learned!

“When a person has the right mind-set, every obstacle introduces him to himself.” John Maxwell

C. Was this avoidable?

D. Turn hopelessness into prayer

Psalm 143:4-6 NLT

I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

E. Surrender to His guidance

Psalm 143:8-10 NLT

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

F. Invite feedback from others

Proverbs 15:22 NLT

Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

G. Confess sin

Psalm 38:17-18 NLT

I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.

“Learning from failure is always easier with the help of a wise counselor.” John Maxwell

H. Take responsibility

I. Keep stepping out in faith!

Mark 16:7 NLT

Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.”

John 21:15 NLT

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Romans 8:28 NLT

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 

 

Questions for discussion/reflection

1. Is failure a negative in your mind?  Why or why not?

2. Do you think failure is always negative?  Does the concept of “failing forward” seem strange to you?

3. What are some of the most difficult aspects of reframing failure for you?

4. Is there an area in your life that you have held back, or not pursued, because of fear of failure?

5. Where is God calling you to step into risk for Him?  (remember, faith is spelled RISK)