| Most of us would agree that having confidence is a good and even necessary thing for success. The dictionary defines confidence as it pertains to self, as belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities, self-reliance, or assurance. Experts agree that self-confidence is grown by trying and succeeding and recognizing that effort and success. |  |
But this formula has no context from which to view mistakes and failures. And yet, the most confident and successful people will tell you that they would not be where they were but for their failures.
How can we reconcile these two realities?
We have to have a framework in which to view failure.
Failure is something that happens not something that I am. It does not define me; I am defined by God.
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ~ John 1:12
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalm 139:14
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ~ Ephesians 2:10
Failure is not a life sentence. God uses us and our failures for good.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 1:6
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:9
Failure is a stepping stone; it is necessary for growth.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ~ James 1:2-4
Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (TLB)
Infallible confidence has to be in the One who never fails and never fails us, Jesus Christ.
I am the LORD, and I do not change. ~ Malachi 3:6
As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. ~ Psalm 18:30
Mistakes and failures are going to happen; but they do not have to defeat us when we hold onto the Lord's perspective.
Confident in the One who calls us and is faithful...
How can we reconcile these two realities?
We have to have a framework in which to view failure.
Failure is something that happens not something that I am. It does not define me; I am defined by God.
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ~ John 1:12
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalm 139:14
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ~ Ephesians 2:10
Failure is not a life sentence. God uses us and our failures for good.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 1:6
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:9
Failure is a stepping stone; it is necessary for growth.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ~ James 1:2-4
Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (TLB)
Infallible confidence has to be in the One who never fails and never fails us, Jesus Christ.
I am the LORD, and I do not change. ~ Malachi 3:6
As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. ~ Psalm 18:30
Mistakes and failures are going to happen; but they do not have to defeat us when we hold onto the Lord's perspective.
Confident in the One who calls us and is faithful...
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