daily devotion

February 15, 2010
Defining Failure
READ: Hebrews 11:24-34
Who through faith . . . out of
weakness were made strong. —
Hebrews 11:33-34During the Great Depression,
many people in the US lived in
shantytowns made up of
plywood, tarps, and blankets.
These decrepit dwellings, known
as “Hoovervilles,” housed those
who had been evicted from
their homes. Many blamed
President Herbert Hoover for
the economic woes.
Ironically, Hoover’s apparent
ineffectiveness as a leader was
in sharp contrast to his
previous record. Earlier,
Hoover ’s expertise in geological
engineering led to successful
mining projects in Australia and
China. He also effectively
spearheaded humanitarian
efforts. But when the stock
market crashed in October
1929, President Hoover was in
circumstances beyond his
control. He would be forever
tied with the economic
depression of the 1930s.
One major fiasco, however, does
not mean one ’s whole life is a
failure. What if we remembered
Abraham only as a deceiver
(Gen. 12:10-20), Moses as
disobedient to God (Num.
20:1-13), or David as a
murderer? (2 Sam. 11). Despite
their sins, these men are
remembered for their
persevering faith: “who through
faith . . . out of weakness were
made strong ” (Heb. 11:33-34).
Our life is not a failure if we’ve
repented of our sins. God can
still use us to serve Him. —
Dennis Fisher
The lessons we learn from our
failures
Are lessons that help us
succeed,
And if we are wise and we heed
them,
Then failure is just what we
need. —D. De Haan