Failure is Necessary

You read that right!

Failure is necessary.

With my current job, I have the opportunity to pray as well as ponder over things as I go about my day.

This past week was filled with the repercussions of decisions made out of panic and procrastination, all of which had taken a toll on me.

I found myself repeating the same thing to different people: “This is all on me. It’s an epic fail.” At different moments this week, I’ve wanted to lock the door and hope that eventually someone would say it was safe to come out.

I had, in fact, been doing things the hard way—making daily tasks seem almost impossible. However, around the middle of the week, things started to shift. I noticed my load becoming a lot lighter, and for the first time since moving home, I had time to participate in family functions.

Again, I was humbled. I was reminded that defeat isn’t the only thing that comes from failure. Sometimes failure brings correction.

Sometimes it brings growth. And sometimes it forces us to slow down long enough to realize there was a better way all along.

The book of Jonah holds one of my favorite Bible verses: “When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord.” — Jonah 2:7

Naturally, I thought of that verse. Then I thought about Jonah. Ole Jonah. God gave him instruction, wisdom, and the tools he needed, and he, in turn, did the exact opposite and flat-out ran. He panicked.

It was in the middle of the panic and desperation that he asked to be thrown overboard, and there, a fish prepared by God was waiting. “Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah.” — Jonah 1:17

Life can feel like that sometimes. Just a big ol’ whale swallowing us whole and making it seem impossible to ever be spit back out.

Defeat is something that naturally comes with failure. You can’t stop it. What you can do is focus on the good that comes from failure.

1. A Second Chance

I believe that God gives 100 second chances. While Jonah was in the belly of the whale, he cried out to God. Over and over, one truth remained: “He heard me.”

Eventually, the whale spat Jonah out, and Jonah still completed the mission.

Don’t dwell on the fail. Focus on the second chance. Even if you’ve lost count of the second chances. God doesn’t throw us away because we fail. He takes the opportunity to encourage us, guide us, teach us, and love us through it.

2. A Repeat Encounter

God didn’t deem Jonah incapable of completing the mission because of his mistake.

Instead, He gave him a repeat encounter with the very thing he tried to run from. The same calling. The same instruction. The same assignment.

“And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time…” — Jonah 3:1

Sometimes failure brings us right back to the place we tried to avoid—not to shame us, but to show us that God still sees purpose in us.

God is mercy, and God is grace. He extends both because just as we have confidence in Him, He has confidence in us to fulfill what He’s called us to do.

3. A Change in Direction

This is where the lines get blurred for me sometimes. Why? Because panic is real in my life when it comes to normal, everyday things. Oddly enough, I stay calm during the major situations. But the smaller things? I’ll admit it… sometimes I panic first and repent later. 😂

Jonah, however, eventually made the right decision. He locked in, changed direction, and moved forward in what God had called him to do.

I’ve learned that I have to slow myself down, take a deep breath, and remind myself of the importance of changing directions. For me, it usually comes with prayer, sometimes a spreadsheet, and enough self-discipline to stop myself, refocus, and get locked back in when panic starts to creep in.

I’ve also learned that when I choose to change direction, it motivates me. I feel accomplished, and it renews my soul to continue moving forward in my service to the Lord.

4. So the People Believed

Jonah had failed, been given a second chance, and made the choice to be obedient. Instead of being mocked or rejected… the people believed God.

That’s the beauty in failure.

After spending the entire week beating myself up, I found myself in the most unexpected place being asked questions about God, His Son, and ultimately… “Is it real?”

The request was simple: “I have questions. Will you answer them?” Again, I was humbled.

One of my favorite things is when people who are searching sit down and ask the hard questions. I don’t always have an answer, and sometimes I stumble trying to find the right words.

Our number one call is to be a witness for Christ—to share His love, His story, and His truth with anyone willing to listen. Failure does not strip that calling away from us.

Sometimes, we’re Jonah.

Without failure, we would have no need for instruction. We would never experience the blessing of a second chance or the encouragement and confidence that come with choosing to try again.

More importantly, we allow so many people to pass by us without ever testifying of the man—our friend, our King—Jesus Christ.

If you are sitting in the belly of the whale, stop beating yourself up. Give yourself mercy, grace, and above all, love.

Catch your breath, gather yourself, and keep going.

Sometimes failure is exactly what God uses to redirect us back toward purpose.

Before you go, take a moment to reflect on where you are, what God may be teaching you through failure, and how He may be asking you to move forward from here.

Reflection Questions

Have I been dwelling on my failure more than God’s willingness to give me another chance?

Is there an area in my life where God is asking me to change direction and trust Him again?

Actions

Take time this week to pray honestly about a failure you’ve been carrying and ask God what He wants to teach you through it.

Share the love of Christ with someone this week—even if you still feel imperfect, unqualified, or unsure of yourself. Even if that someone is you.