"Failed": A Word of Encouragement to those who think they are "Failures"

 “Failed.” Your greatest fear realized, you are certain you have failed. I mean, just look around at everyone else. They are succeeding. Their acclaim is clear. They are “living the dream,” and here you sit, failing again. I get it, you really tried. You had aspirations, dreams, you even put in some hard work to achieve what you thought was your “destiny.” You even experienced some early success—people seemed to clamor for your help, for your attention, for your advice. Now? Well, now you just sit wondering what happened. You went from helping hundreds (Is “thousands” too arrogant?) to basically being ignored. I understand. You hoped for more, longed for it, you even tried your best to obtain it.

“Failed.” It stings especially since no one wants to be second place (or, WORSE, “last” place)! How I hate failure, and yet how often I have felt like that is only thing at which I seem to succeed (there is an irony there, succeeding at failing). So, what do you do? Quit? That’s just more failure. No, here’s what you will do: you’ll get up tomorrow, brush your teeth, put on your clothes, and you’ll go out and live a life of service to others even if no one notices.

Here is the rub, though, people do notice. In fact, there are many (I am among them) who see your perseverance and stubborn obedience to Jesus and are encouraged. Your continued faithfulness to serve God and to serve others is evidence of a success. Right now it feels like “failure” is all you can see, but you need to understand that the story isn’t over yet. What seems like “failure” may result in amazing victory, only time will tell.

When you think you’ve failed, remember this: Jesus knows you and your heart. If you are heading towards him, you are no failure. There are also many of us who take courage from so-called “failures” like you. We see your faithfulness and your stubborn willingness to follow God no matter what, and we see HOPE and SUCCESS. I understand it doesn’t “feel” that way, but it is true nonetheless. Jesus is here for you, and so am I. I want to learn from and to bless you! Walk on, weary pilgrim, you aren’t home yet, and your witness/work here is not done. We need you!