It’s not just works of fiction that can speak into our hearts, but those things told through pages of biographies or history lessons can have spiritual significance as well. One thing that history can speak into our spirits is the power of perseverance. The Wright brothers with their numerous, crashed flight attempts, Abraham Lincoln with his repetitive losses in politics, and Thomas Edison with his efforts to develop a lightbulb were men who pressed through what could have been deemed defeat. Their perseverance paid off; their ultimate successes are blessings we enjoy today.
From a spiritual perspective, the enemy accuses God’s people of BEING a failure when struggles persist. Scripture says “with patience possess ye your souls.” Additionally, there are numerous verses encouraging endurance, yet we’re quick to accept defeat. Somehow, our definition of success is "perfect results with the first attempt," whether that is to overcome a bad habit, to aim for a greater spiritual discipline, or to reach for a new level of conduct.
So what can we tell ourselves when those “I’m a failure” thoughts plague our minds when we don’t quite attain? My husband, Eddie, drawing from the lessons of history, says it best. “Tell yourself, 'Maybe I have failed, but I am not a failure. When something doesn't go as planned, and I have to try again, I am not failing, I am learning.'”
From a spiritual perspective, the enemy accuses God’s people of BEING a failure when struggles persist. Scripture says “with patience possess ye your souls.” Additionally, there are numerous verses encouraging endurance, yet we’re quick to accept defeat. Somehow, our definition of success is "perfect results with the first attempt," whether that is to overcome a bad habit, to aim for a greater spiritual discipline, or to reach for a new level of conduct.
So what can we tell ourselves when those “I’m a failure” thoughts plague our minds when we don’t quite attain? My husband, Eddie, drawing from the lessons of history, says it best. “Tell yourself, 'Maybe I have failed, but I am not a failure. When something doesn't go as planned, and I have to try again, I am not failing, I am learning.'”
Tip/Tidbit: Remind yourself today that you are not failing; you are learning.
Eddie Windham is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Check out his MENTALLY FIT APP.
Eddie Windham is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Check out his MENTALLY FIT APP.
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