Defining Failure

During the Great Depression, many people in the United States lived in shanty-towns made up of plywood, tarps, and blankets. These dwellings known as "Hoovervilles," housed those who had been evicted from their homes. Many blamed President Hoover for the economic woes. Ironically, Hoover's apparent ineffectiveness as a leader was in sharp contrast to his previous record.

Earlier, Hoover's expertise in geological engineering led to successful mining projects in Australia and China. He also spearheaded humanitarian efforts. When the stock market crashed in October 1929, President Hoover was in circumstances beyond his control. He would be forever tied with the economic depression of the 1930s.

One major fiasco, however, does not mean one's whole life is a failure. What if we remembered Abraham only as being a deceiver (Genesis 12:10-20). What if we remembered Moses only as being disobedient to God (Numbers 20:1-13). What if we remembered David only as being a murderer (2 Samuel 11). Despite their sins, these men are remembered for their persevering faith: “who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens” (Hebrews 11:33-34).

The fact is, our life is not a failure, if we've repented of our sins. God can still use us to serve Him and His purpose. Everyone of us have made mistakes, sinned, and have many regrets. However, no matter what we have done in the past, all of that can and will be forgiven by God when we believe in Him (Romans 10:17; John 8:24), repent of our sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30), confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9; Matthew 10:32), be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16), and then be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10). We all have so much to live for and to look forward to. If we will set our minds on being obedient to Christ we can have the hope of being with Him eternally in heaven. “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9).

The lessons we learn from our failures
Are lessons that help us succeed,
And if we are wise and we heed them,
Then failure is just what we need.
---- D. De Haan