When Failure Brings Blessings

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delightin weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,in persecutions,in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV).

For me, failure reinforces and validates the fears I battle as a writer. Every mistake I make seems to add weight to the voices I hear in my head that feed my insecurity. And I make a lot of mistakes. Because this vicious cycle can bring my writing to a screeching halt, I’ve had to find a way to combat this way of looking at life. 

One week I was overwhelmed with assignments—blog posts, articles, devotions, and even a book—all due in the same week. Although I’d love to say I was organized and everything went off without a hitch, it didn’t. The book I turned in had all my attention and the other assignments suffered. By the time Friday rolled around I felt like I’d been to war and back—finishing up wounded and weary. I’d been honest on social media about the craziness of the week and how I’d tried to make sure my work was typo-free and on time, but I’d fallen so short it was pathetic, and I knew it.

Truthfully, I felt like quitting that week. Everywhere I turned, the evidence of my failure was on view to the world. I couldn’t see how my less-than-stellar work was blessing anyone. The last straw was the blog post I’d published on my own site that morning. As I read it in the email that had been sent out I just shook my head. The typos and other mistakes seemed to prove my ineptitude.

That was the day another email arrived in my inbox. 

A new writer shared that although it had taken all her courage to write me, my openness about my struggles and my doubts that week had given her the push she needed. She felt I’d understand her turmoil. She went on to say that the fact I’d fallen short of perfection was an encouragement and was keeping her from quitting on the call God had placed on her life. 

She shared her struggles, and I finished the email with tears in my eyes. How like God to show me once again how He was at work through me, no matter how imperfect I was. He reminded me that I wasn’t the one who needed to be perfect. He has that covered—and in His perfection—He makes everything work together exactly as it should.

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NOTE: This is an excerpt from my latest book, Soul Care for Writers

Our lives are busier each day, and the margin we have available for recovery and peace is shrinking. Edie Melson helps you find Soul Care solutions using devotions and prayers and opportunities for creative expression. She has learned that sensory involvement deepens our relationship with the Father and gives rest to our weary souls. She will teach you to tap into your creativity. Reconnect with God using your tactile creativity.Warning! This book may become dog-eared and stained. Draw in it. Experiment with your creative passions. Learn the healing power of play. Allow God’s power to flow through creativity. Soul Care for Writers will become your heart treasure.