Some Thoughts on Failure

As humans, we have a deeper relationship with failure than we initially realize. From the time we are children, we are taught to blindly run from failure, doing everything we can to strive after perfection. Soon we learn that this is extremely difficult and that it boarders on impossible, yet we keep going. We expect perfection in school, relationships, sports, and music. We are disappointed when we come in contact with failure on someone else's part, and we're extremely hard on ourselves when we personally fail. Through all this, there's one thing we forget: trials and failures are two of our greatest teachers. 

As an Education students, failure is something we have to treat very strategically. A great amount of effort goes into reversing students' predispositions and fear towards failure. If students are afraid of failure in the classroom, they will learn significantly less than if they put their pride aside take risks. This is exactly how we should treat life. We will fail, it's inevitable, but it's how we react to failure that determines what comes out of that situation. 

The ability to rise above the the bubbling black failure of this world also requires a connection to something that never fails. Many people turn to romantic love for this, but this is a dangerous misstep, and even the most devoted partner is going to make mistakes. Unfailing, unwavering, and everlasting love can only be found from our Creator, the one divine example of perfection in a world full of failures. His plans, promises, and Word never fails. He is completely perfect, requiring nothing, and yet He wants us more than anything. That is the definition of perfect love. Let's look at some examples of His perfection: 

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Isaiah 51:6
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail

Isaiah 58:11

The Lord will guide you always;
    he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land 
    and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden, 
    like a spring whose waters never fail.

Lamentations 3:22
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.