Have you ever felt like a failure and wondered how to move forward without self-condemnation? If so, you’re not alone. Many people in the Bible struggled with failure, including Moses, who was called by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. In fact, God gives us many grace-filled and power-packed Bible verses about failure that will encourage you and unveil your hope. The Bible, God’s love letter to His children, is where we can find strength to overcome our failures and live in God’s grace.
Are You Struggling with Feelings of Failure?
Maybe struggling with feelings of failure is a new experience for you or maybe it’s one you’ve struggled with your entire life. For some, the devil uses failure to deceive you. He wants his attack to distract you from your purpose, your passion, and your desire to follow God’s call on your life.
Experiencing feelings of failure is a common part of life and is absolutely okay. I’ve been there more than my share of times. Setbacks and challenges present themselves, but these moments are not dead ends; rather, they are a holy training ground for something even greater. It’s perfectly natural to feel disheartened or disappointed at times. However, always remember that feelings are not a place to get stuck. They are temporary and do not define you.
What Does the Bible Say About Failure?
The Bible has some good news for you if you are struggling with failure! It tells us that God loves us and has a plan for us, even when we mess up. Through the accounts of those who have overcome that are woven throughout the pages of our Bibles, and the verses about failure that are sprinkled throughout, God shares His heart for our lives.
Romans 8:28 says, “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.” This means that God can use our failures for our good and his glory. He can teach us, shape us, and prepare us for what he has in store for us.
Proverbs 24:16 says, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” This shows us that failure is not the end of the story, but a chance to get back up and try again. It also shows us that what matters is not how many times we fall, but how many times we rise.
The Bible is clear. Failure is not an end. It is a part of life, but not a permanent condition. With faith and perseverance, we can overcome failure and find hope again.
One Account of Failure in the Bible: Moses
Although God shares with us the stories of hero after hero in the Bible that teach us about failure, I’m going to write about just one: Moses.
There’s so much to love about this man. For me, it’s his humility. His acknowledgment of what he’d done wrong and where he fell short. But his bravery in following God wherever he was called.
Moses was chosen to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and to receive the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. He was chosen to save and lead his people even though he had once before murdered. And he was chosen to speak even though he was a man with a stutter. Think about that!
Maybe you’d think that once Moses was chosen by God, his days of flaws, weaknesses, fears, and failures were over. But no, they weren’t. He continued to mess up. He was an imperfect leader—someone who failed but didn’t lose hope or give up.
Let’s Look at Just Two of Moses’ Failures
One of his most notable failures happened in his young adult years in Egypt. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave and proceeded to kill the Egyptian. At the time, he thought he was doing the right thing, but he soon realized that he had committed a serious crime.He fled from Pharaoh, who wanted to kill him, and he became a fugitive in the land of Midian where he lived in voluntary exile for the next 40 years.
Another time he failed was when he was in the wilderness with the Israelites. The Israelites did a lot of complaining even though they’d been saved by God and were witnesses to many miracles. One day they complained because they had no water. Moses became angry. God told Moses to speak to the rock and water would come out. But in his anger, Moses instead struck the rock twice. Then he lost all his patience with the people!
Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?”
Numbers:20:10 NLT
Can you just hear the snarky, angry tone? I don’t know that I’d handle it any better, but in his anger, he disobeyed God, dishonored Him, and misrepresented Him to the people.And because of his choice, God did not allow him to enter the Promised Land.
How did Moses overcome his failures? And what can we learn from his example?
First, Moses overcame his failures by repenting and seeking God’s forgiveness. He did not try to justify his actions or blame others. He admitted his mistakes and humbled himself before God. Moses also accepted God’s discipline and correction. He did not resent God or give up on His calling. He trusted God’s grace and mercy.
Second, Moses overcame his failures by learning and growing from them. He did not let his failures define him or limit him. He used them as opportunities to grow in faith, wisdom, and courage. Moses also used them as opportunities to help others who were struggling with their own failures. He became a more compassionate and effective leader.
Third, Moses overcame his failures by focusing on God’s promises and purposes. He did not dwell on his past or his problems. Rather, he looked forward to what God had in store for him and his people. He also looked forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
“Yes, Moses failed, but he failed forward. That simply means that he learned from his mistakes. And we need to do the same.”
Greg Laurie: Harvest
Moses’ story shows us that failure is not the end of the story, but a part of the journey. It shows us that God can use our failures for good and for His glory, that He is faithful and gracious, even when we are not, and that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives, even when we fail.
7 Bible Verses About Failure That You Need to Meditate On
Scripture is called the Sword of the Spirit. It is referenced in Ephesians 6:17 saying, “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Friends, a sword is a mighty weapon. One I want to carry with me to fight the enemy’s attacks.
So, when I face defeat, challenges, or mistakes, I pick up my sword to fight the feelings that want me to believe I’m simply not good enough. I go to Bible verses about failure to read on repeat. Again and again, I impress God’s Truth on my heart and into my mind. The seven Bible verses about failure below are some of my favorites.
1. Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.“
God’s compassion never fails. No sin, fault, or failure is too much or too big for Him. New mercies with fresh starts are available with each rising sun.
2. Micah 7:8
“Do not gloat over me,my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise! Though I sit in darkness, theLordwill be my light.”
God reminds you here that He will be your light and that you WILL rise!
3. James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faithproduces perseverance.Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be matureand complete, not lacking anything.”
This trial you are facing will produce perseverance. And through it, you will become mature and complete. You will lack nothing. So, do not believe the lie that says this trial makes you a failure. No, it most certainly does not! It is maturing you to completion. It is part of a beautiful story God is writing for you.
4. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Yes, even this trial you are now facing can be overcome when you partner with God’s strength! He doesn’t say you can do some things. Nor does He say you can do all but the one thing you are struggling with. He says you can do all things!
5. Proverbs 24:16
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”
Yes, my friend. If you love and follow Jesus, you will rise again.
6. Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the goodof those who love him, who have been calledaccording to his purpose.”
God tells us here that all kinds of good, bad, and ugly will happen in life. But He also assures us He will work them ALL together for the good of those who love Him. Although I find it very difficult to pick a favorite Bible verse, if I had to, this would be it! So much so that it is etched in the cement foundation of our home.
7. 1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sinsand purify us from all unrighteousness.”
What relief this verse brings! He will forgive us and purify us for whatever sin we have committed. No sin is too big. God breaks the chains of shame.
Strategies for Overcoming Failure You Can Start Today
Failure is not something to be ashamed of. It is something to face and overcome with God’s help. Failure can be a valuable teacher, a powerful motivator, and a catalyst for change. But how can we overcome failure and turn it into success as Christians? Here are some strategies that you can start today:
- Acknowledge and accept your failure.
Don’t deny, hide, or blame your failure on others. Be honest with yourself and others about what went wrong and why. Take responsibility for your actions and learn from your mistakes. Don’t let failure define you but use it as feedback to improve yourself. Confess your sins to God and receive His forgiveness and grace.He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
- Reframe your failure.
Don’t see failure as a permanent or personal flaw. See it as a temporary and specific setback. Don’t see failure as a sign of weakness or incompetence. See it as a sign of courage and growth. Don’t see failure as a dead end or a disaster. See it as a detour or a challenge. With a simple shift of thinking, you can change your perspective and attitude towards failure, therefore changing your response and outcome.Remember that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). He can use our failures for our good and His glory.
- Seek support and guidance.
Don’t isolate yourself or suffer in silence. Reach out to others who can help you cope and recover from your failure. Seek advice and feedback from people who have experienced or overcome similar failures. Learn from their stories and insights. Seek encouragement and affirmation from people who care about you and believe in you. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who can lift you up and inspire you. And most importantly, pray to God asking Him for His wisdom and guidance.He will direct your steps and make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:6).
- Set new and realistic goals.
Don’t give up on your dreams or settle for less. Go where God calls. Reevaluate your goals, dreams, and steps, then adjust them according to where God has you right now and where He is continuing to show you the way to go. Focus on the process and the progress, not the outcome and the result. Celebrate your achievements and reward yourself along the way. Keep track of your goals and measure your success. Trust in God and commit your actions to theLord, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).
- Take action and move forward.
Don’t dwell on your past or your problems. Focus on your present and your possibilities. Don’t let failure paralyze you or stop you from trying again. Use failure as a motivation and an opportunity to try something new or different. Act in faith and obedience to God. He will equip you with all you need for doing His will (Hebrews 13:21).
Tangible strategies that you can start today are important. These strategies and Bible verses about failure are just that. You can start them today and begin to overcome the feelings of failure.
And as you walk away from this time here together, do not forget that failure is not the opposite of success. It is part of success. So don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try.
Find More Bible Verses About Failure to Give You Hope to Move Forward
- How to Love Yourself God’s Way: Biblical Affirmations Inspired by Jesus
- How to Go From Inner Conflict to a Courageous Woman of Faith
- Overcoming the Spirit of Fear and Finding Hope: My Journey of Triumph
- Does God Forgive Abortion? This Is for the Woman Struggling With Shame
- 25 Bible Verses About Confidence That Will Help You Break Free of Insecurity
- 17 Inspiring Bible Verses About Moving Forward to Give You Hope
- 18 Bible Verses About Fear of Failure by Becky at So Very Blessed
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