“Trust in the LORD and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

(Psalm 37:3-4, NIV)

There are times in our lives when failure seems to creep up on us like “a thief in the night.” It wasn’t expected and it sure wasn’t welcome, yet here it came knocking at the door of our lives; an unwelcomed guest pounding on the door of our dreams.

A few days ago, failure knocked on my door. I had taken driving classes, passed my 30 hours of the school portion, passed my 6 hours of behind the wheel drive time with my driving instructor, and I had been practicing hours with my driving coach. However, when I took the driving test to obtain my driver’s license, I failed the test. I backed into the parking space just a bit too much and touched the cone. TEST OVER!

“Are you serious,” I shouted out to the instructor, not in anger, but in dismay, as the rain poured into the car and onto me. “I am serious,” he smiled, as my head dropped in disappointment. I had worked so hard and gave everything I had to give to pass that test, but I still failed.

After I picked up my coach and returned home to notify my family, I sat quietly reflecting on what happened. It was then that God spoke to me encouraging, “You can retake the test, and now you have the advantage of knowing what you need to improve, and what to expect. You also have the advantage of knowing the layout of the test course. This time will be easier than the last time because you now have a knowledge advantage.”

I smiled realizing that I do have the advantage of a better understanding, all I have to do now is persevere and not give up. Giving up is not an option for me, because my goals will be accomplished with consistent prayer and determined work.

I was elated to hear that I actually was at an advantage going back into the test. We don’t always think of failure as giving us an advantage, but the way God spoke it to me, it sure does as long as we stay our course and don’t give in to the failure. It is only a delay of accomplishment, not a denial. We are the only ones who can deny our own success, and that will only happen if we give in to failure. I am not giving in!!!

And I encourage you not to give in and give up on your dreams, just press in and stay the course. Remember, we don’t become anything great until we do the work that requires greatness. Press into your purpose, one-small-step-at-a-time. Each step puts you closer to your dreams and God’s purpose in your life being fulfilled.

YOU CAN DO IT!

GOD WILL HELP YOU!

AND I AM CHEERING FOR YOU!

NOW GO AFTER IT!!!