You can start again

 “Don’t keep going over old history…be present.”

                                                              Isa 43:18 TM

Although it’s true that we all fail, here’s something worth remembering: You can fail successfully. How? By learning from your failures and growing stronger and wiser through them. Surrendering your future to your past just means you drown in remorse and hopelessness.

But if you practice “failing forward,” you can experience future success. So acknowledge your failings, see yourself cleansed by the blood of Jesus, let go of your disappointment in yourself, and get up and try again.

At one point in Elijah’s life, he got so depressed that he prayed he might die: “‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors’” (1Ki 19:4 NIV). Later when he was strengthened by God’s grace, he emerged from his depression a new man with a new mission in life (See vv. 15-16 NIV).

After he’d denied Christ openly, Peter was forgiven. Despite his weakness he was restored, and became the apostle who would “strengthen his fellow apostles” and build the New Testament Church (See Lk 22:31-32). It’s not a matter of how badly or how often you’ve failed—it’s a matter of what God can make you when you accept His grace, get up again, and allow Him to empower you to do better.

Peter is proof that God takes us when we are weak, and speaks and acts through us in ways that bring glory to Him alone! (See 1Co 1:28). Will God sometimes correct you? Yes, He’s a good parent, but He won’t discard you.

So the word for you today is—you can start again.

Source: Maxwell, John C. Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.(Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2010). 230-231.