Thank you to today’s guest, author Sue Edwards! She knows all about experiencing God’s grace through failure. This post is also a giveaway! Comment below for a chance to win a copy of Sue’s new Bible study, “Galatians: Discovering Freedom in Christ Through Daily Practice.”
I learned about God’s grace through failure. And I learned that He is the God of second, third, fourth – infinite really – chances!
Discouraged by Failure
My first failure in ministry came while leading a small group in a community-wide Women’s Bible study. I’d only been a Christian three years, but I was on fire for Jesus and eager to serve Him. I was determined to be the best small group leader in the entire study, but every week, fewer and fewer women showed up.
Naïve and self-dependent, I called the women weekly, with urgent questions about their attendance. Of course, that only made things worse.
As I faced the looming reality that my first attempt at leading a small group might bomb, the enemy successfully and relentlessly whispered discouragement. As yearend drew closer, I wondered if the leadership would give me another chance. I wasn’t sure I wanted one. But when I met with the leader to discuss the possibility, she said,
“We are only called to be faithful, not successful. You have been faithful.”
This significant life lesson taught me more about God’s grace.
Too Insecure to Succeed
The second big ministry failure came several years later, after I had led several small groups that bonded and thrived. The leadership of the community Bible study asked me to take on an administrative position and I said “yes.”
One of my duties was to recruit small group leaders for the following year. But when several of the current leaders decided they could not return, I took their resignation personally. The enemy successfully and relentlessly whispered “This is about you. They don’t want to work with you.”
Obviously, I was not ready for this role.
New in faith and still insecure in heart, I crumbled under the pressure. With less than a month before the study was to kick-off, I called the leadership and resigned. My immaturity caused the leaders to scramble to replace me, amidst much angst I’m sure.
But, amazingly – and graciously – they kept me on as a leader, and continued to pour into my life to build my spiritual and emotional strength. Another example of God’s character and grace.
Now, after almost forty years of ministry, I thank God for these dear women who continued to forgive me and invest in me. My service to others builds on the shoulders of these women who mentored me in my early Christian life. They did not give up on a naïve, insecure woman who loved the Lord but failed miserably many times. Their grace reflected God’s grace to us all.
Jesus is about second chances, and third, and fourth, and fifth. I’m constantly reminded of His grace and mercy. God’s grace–what an unspeakable gift!
Oh, Lord, help us all to remember our own failures and your tender mercies, and pass it on.
Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of Sue Edwards new Bible Study, “Galatians: Discovering Freedom in Christ Through Daily Practice.” The winner will be drawn Wednesday, February 14th.
Dr. Sue Edwards has over 40 years experience as a Bible teacher, overseer of several megachurch ministries, and author. Now, as Associate Professor of Educational Ministries and Leadership, she teaches full-time at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has trained women leaders in Russia, Africa, and Germany. She is the author of 5 leadership books and the Discover Together Bible study series. Galatians: Discovering Freedom in Christ Through Daily Practice is the newest in the series. Find out more about the series at www.discovertogetherseries.com
Look forward to reading her book
Hi! Thanks for coming by, you are entered!
Thanks for your word. Be Blessed.
Hi Jannette! You are entered in the drawing!
Really enjoying your materal. God Bless
Looks like a great study!!
Kela, thanks for coming by! You are entered!
Just what my heart needed to hear as I came face to face with failure today, feeling the enemy’s condemnation, and so in need of grace for the moment. Grace. How beautiful a word. Thank you. Would love a copy of Dr. Edwards’ new study!
Laura, thank you for sharing this. I feel like I deal with some kind of failure almost every day. Some little, some big, but all in need of God’s grace! You are entered in the giveaway!
Oh, how the enemy wants us to stay discouraged! It encourages me to know I am not alone. I always enjoy your post and your guest’s post and would love being entered for a chance to receive Sue’s book.
Thanks Carol, you are entered!
I have failed. Thank you for your words.
Marilyn, you certainly aren’t the only one… You are entered!
Thank goodness for GRACE!
Amen! Praise God! Marilyn, you are entered.
Such a wonderful, humbling reminder of how often His grace has been extended to me and my duty to reflect it to others. Thank you.
Carlene, you are right! I love how Sue’s story not only showed us God’s grace but also the grace given to her by other believers! You are entered!
A timely reminder that we learn & grow from our failures! It reminded me of the quote: “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called!”
Hi Mary, I love that God doesn’t waste anything. Even our failures! You are entered for a chance to win.
We are called to be faithful – not successful. What a wonderful and encouraging reminder.
Penny, thanks for stopping by. You are entered in the giveaway!
Your words touched me today. Thank you.
Anna Mae, you are entered in the giveaway!
“Oh, Lord, help us all to remember our own failures and your tender mercies, and pass it on.” Sounds like a good study!!
Julie, when I consider my failings, I am even more in awe of our great God! You are entered in the drawing.
The Lord know we all fail! Sounds like an encouraging Bible study!
Hi friend! Yes, He does! And He still loves us! You are entered in the giveaway.