Encashing OpportunitiesSample

Opportunity to Start Again

The fact that someone is a Christian or very spiritual does not mean that they will never fail in their personal, professional, or family lives. On the contrary, as Theodore Roosevelt said, ‘The only man who never makes a mistake is the one who never does anything.’ To err is human and we can all fail.

Peter was one of the closest disciples of Jesus, so close that the Master took him everywhere He went. Peter failed by denying Jesus thrice; but, God used the same Peter who failed to proclaim the name of Jesus in the darkness (night) before a few hundred people, to announce the good news this time, in the light, in front of thousands of people.

A few months ago at work, my team and I launched a call for tenders for a service. We worked hard on this project and finalized it. Then, we presented this project to the Secretary-General and the union leaders, who congratulated us and applauded us for our work (which is rare). We left the room, our heads in the clouds. But, a few days later, we learned that there was a big problem in the project. Without delay, everyone criticized us. Physically, psychologically and mentally, we were highly disappointed.

In such situations, we question God: ‘Why did this happen?’ ‘Why me?’ ‘Why now?’ But, we forget to ask, ‘What do You want to teach me through this?’ We must ask God for wisdom to understand the causes of our failures. In my case, I learned that I was too proud and sure of myself.

No matter how many times we have missed the mark, or how great the fall, failure is not our destination. Sometimes God Himself breaks us to humble us; not to put us down, but to build us up stronger than before.

Like Peter, are we overconfident with our own strengths and skills? If yes, like Peter, we can begin again, now fully relying on God.

‘Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.' - Henry Ford

Abba Father, thank You for teaching me Your truth in my failures. I depend on You to start over again.