Fail forward

Sometimes in life just getting started is difficult. We all fear failure. We fear because we want to do what is right, especially when sharing the Gospel, and we don’t want to fail others or Him.

There is one sure way to start overcoming fear. Start failing.

Years ago, I read the book “Failing Forward” by John C. Maxwell. He’s a pretty big deal in the world of self-help and motivation. What inspired me is the idea that my failures were not the end result of who I am or what I’m capable of as a person.

The subtitle of Maxwell’s book, “Turning mistakes into stepping stones for success,” gave me some direction at a time when life was just beating me to a pulp. The writing helped guide me back to the Word, which always offers comfort from failure and a path forward – no matter my failures.

Deep inside I knew God would guide me if I just started with even the smallest of effort.

Psalm 32:8 (KJV) – “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

From there I knew God could get me to a point where my faith would be stronger, my love for others would grow and I would be able to share the Gospel with those who need salvation.

Now, disciple, amidst all the steps forward there will be stumbles. Sometimes the stepping stones seem like tripping stones.

But persist, and make sure when you stumble that you fail forward.

3 Questions for now

If ever there was a conversation starter in daily life, failure is a universal topic.

Standing around the water cooler at work or talking with family at the dinner table, some kind of mistake, gripe or failure will become part of the conversation.

The question for believers is, how can we connect with others when the topic is some form of failure?

Here are three questions that could help you start a conversation:

· How do you deal with disappointment or failure?

· How do you think we should handle conflict in our relationships?

· How do you define success?

Read these questions and responses several times and remember them as best you can.

Then, when that failure topic comes up again in conversation, ask one these questions and follow the Lord’s lead.

Fail forward by turning a negative into a positive.

Be kind. Love them. Be bold.

Shawn’s noodling rant:

(“Noodling” is a term I swiped from my mentor. The meaning is to “ponder” or “think deeply about” a topic that God is challenging us with through scripture or the Holy Spirit, or both.)

God’s Word edits path of our lives

In the world of journalism, or any writing, writers must relay a mixture of details and insight to help readers understand a topic. Along the path to a finished article, poem, essay, blog or book are mistakes.

To write well, one must “fail forward.” (Reference “Failing Forward” by John C. Maxwell.) You must start writing, work on the details, rewrite, edit, then rewrite again before final edit. Writing is a process that involves trying, failing, then accomplishing.

Anyone ever make spelling or grammar or punctuation mistakes? Or get a fact wrong? All of these happen in writing. This is all part of the process to accomplishing the polished, finished content.

The good news for writers is that along the way they have editors to correct and guide them to achieve the final copy. Sometimes the editing can seem harsh because the truth related to making the writing better can sting a bit.

For believers, the “editing” in our lives comes from fellow believers and God’s Word. We align ourselves with those who follow God, and we read God’s Word so we can hear what His Holy Spirit says to us. All of this leads to correcting how we live – our “writing” in the world – and how we relate to others.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) – “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Like in writing, how we live our lives is based on facts, or truth. In writing “dog” is spelled d-o-g and every sentence should end in punctuation. The facts, or truth, of the Bible are that Jesus died for our sins, was crucified and rose again, and He delivered salvation for all who repent and believe.

In writing, if you stray from the facts, you’ll get so off track that the writing will be confusing, and no one will read the words. You must edit the mistakes, complete the corrections, and then deliver a well-written final piece.

As believers, we must stick to the truth and when we get off track turn to fellow believers – a confidant, church, Sunday school – and the Word to correct our mistakes. This helps us return to the simplicity of the Gospel that is Jesus Christ. The church – fellow believers – and the Word edit our lives.

In writing, a basic sentence has the structure of “noun-verb” – “He ran.” It’s that simple.

When I’m getting tongue-tied as a believer, I default to the basics – He lived, He died, He rose again, therefore repent and believe to receive salvation.

I don’t have to write a doctoral thesis to explain salvation through Jesus or write a creative poem that lasts forever or deliver a speech for all the ages. I’m not sure I could do any of those things.

But I can do this – love them and share with them. Starting with John 3:16 I can stumble forward from there. If I make a mistake, the brethren, the Word and my God will be there to edit my effort and correct my path.

And then let Jesus deliver the final work because He is the author who can write one’s name in the book of life.

Hebrews 5:8-9 (KJV) – “8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

Now, disciple, what editing do you need in your life to move forward?