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You’re Not Failing, You’re Learning

ByKatherine Wisniewski
You're Not Failing; You're Learning

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)

Have you ever read something that made you stop in your tracks? Recently, I read this phrase on a social media meme: “You’re not failing; you’re learning.” It hit me so hard I began to cry because I knew God was speaking to my heart. The omnipotent (all-powerful) and omniscient (all-knowing) God showed up in my ordinary scrolling.   

Oh friend, that’s how much God loves us. God hears every prayer (1 John 5:14-15). He sees every tear (Psalm 56:8) and knows every thought in our minds (Psalm 139:4). God will reach down and speak to our hearts in whatever way He can, if only we would listen. 

That day, I was truly listening, and I felt deeply convicted. I had been having a pity party lately because I distinctly heard God call me to “write.” So, I was doing my best to follow God’s calling. First, I took countless classes. Then, I practiced, and practiced. I had read others’ books to learn the craft. Next, I conquered my fears about technology, taught myself how to build a website, and launched my platform. And I was working on my writing daily. Yet I had very few followers to show for all my hard work. So, as usual, because I wasn’t seeing instant results and response to my prayers, I got frustrated and believed the enemy’s lie that I was failing. 

I couldn’t help but laugh, picturing Jesus smiling, gently shaking His head, and saying, “Oh, you of little faith.”Conviction followed, a clear reminder that God’s timing and ways are not my own. He is in control; I am not. Yet even in my frustration, I recognized that as long as I continued leaning into His Spirit, He would bring about His good plans for my life (Romans 8:28). At the same time, anger stirred within me. How easily I had fallen for the enemy’s schemes, again.

Today’s key verse assures us that when we seek God, He will guide us. “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24, NIV). 

God will take us by the hand when we feel we are failing. In His kindness, He teaches us to walk in His ways.  And as we follow Him, we grow, becoming more like Jesus day by day.

Setbacks are valuable growth opportunities. If we follow God’s guidance and Word, we are not failing, but learning. “For no word from God will ever fail” (Luke 1:37, NIV). 

When You Feel Like You’re Failing: Learn, Grow, and Stand on Truth

  • Identify the lie: “You are failing.” 
  • Replace the lie with God’s truth: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.“ (Philippians 4:13, ESV).
  • Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to teach and guide you: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26, ESV)
  • Read the Bible: The Bible can teach and guide you about God’s ways, give you direction and help you become more like Jesus. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, ESV).
  • Step out in faith: Keep trying, practicing, and working. Don’t give up!
  • Reframe the lie: “I am not failing; I am learning.”

Dear Heavenly Father, When I begin believing the enemy’s lie that I am failing, please remind me that I am learning. Please help me remember to delight in you, spend time in your Word, and listen to the guidance of your Holy Spirit. Then, I will learn your ways, become more like Jesus, and be able to do anything. Amen

Read More About Feeling You’re Failing

When You Know Your Identity But Don’t Act Accordingly

Try, Try Again

It’s Okay To Ask For Help

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