YOG: Failure Isn’t Fatal
By Tracy Phua, 22, Singapore
Someone wisely observed, “Whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” The Chinese relay team at the ongoing Youth Olympic Games sure can attest to that. After their recent disqualification, which saw them glum and guilt-ridden, they have now clinched the gold medal in the 4 x 100 meters freestyle event. They beat Germany and Canada by 2.38 seconds and 2.48 seconds respectively.
Despite the error caused by third swimmer Liu Lan in the medley event, the rest of her teammates and coaches were nothing but supportive of her. Stemming from that support, the entire team managed to bounce back from their defeat. One of the swimmers Tang Yi put it across well, “We have already stepped out of the shadow of that failure.”
Instead of wallowing in self-pity when they were disqualified, the Chinese team were consumed by zeal and fought to win. This attitude should be found in Christians too.
In this race of life, we will experience failures and obstacles. For God did not promise us days without trouble, instead He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
With God on our side, let’s pick ourselves up when we fall, trusting in His promise that “if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9). And may His grace energize us to work harder to please Him, while recognizing that it is God who will work through us by His grace (1 Corinthians 15:10). In addition, let’s cheer each other on. Never underestimate a word of encouragement; it could lift the spirit of someone today!
Finally, remember: failure is not fatal but faithlessness is.
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I went to watch the Monday match and I’m also very shocked about it!! Imagine I were the swimmers… Thank God for this devotion!
God is always with us. The harder we fall, the stronger we will get back up again. Even though at times its hard, He never gives us too much we cant handle.
Personally I feel that whenever I encounter failure, I’ll blame God for that mishap. Ireally need to work on my faith!!! Thanks for this devotion(:
thanks Tracy, this is an encouraging testimony. God bless, k.