I Choose Today to Let Grace Overcome Failure

Over and over in my life, I have had a pattern of starting something, then just when it is about to take off or be completed, I quit. There are a variety of reasons why I choose to quit – a disparaging comment from someone; an obstacle that gets in the way; doubt – but the core to all these “reasons” is the heart of the matter: fear of failure.

While over the years I have learned how to overcome this pattern, through the power of the Holy Spirit, fixing my mind on what is true, pure, excellent (Phil. 4:8), and having an amazing support system, the enemy is still up to his old tricks and I am battling once again. He doesn’t want me to press on, but to quit.

Satan, the deceiver, doesn’t want God’s people to do the will of the Lord, so he uses the same tactics he’s used since beginning of time: he twists the truth, he puts the seed of doubt in our minds, he tells us we are unequipped, unprepared, unworthy of our calling. We are not enough. We have too many obstacles in our lives.

Does any of this resonate with you or am I the only one?

Peter knew the pain of failure. After declaring his unwavering loyalty to Jesus, he denied Him not once but three times, just as Jesus predicted (Luke 22:54-62). The weight of his failure must have felt unbearable as he wept bitterly, likely believing he had disqualified himself from his calling.

Yet, Jesus didn’t leave Peter in his failure. After the resurrection, Jesus restored him, asking three times, “Do you love me?” and commissioning him to “feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). Peter’s failure didn’t disqualify him—instead, it became a stepping stone for deeper faith and a powerful testimony of God’s grace.

I’ve experienced moments when fear made me want to give up, but when I surrendered it to God, He reminded me that His grace was enough. Time and again, He’s shown me that failure is not the end—it’s the beginning of something new when I trust Him.

Like Peter, we may face moments when fear, doubt, or failure makes us want to give up. But God reminds us that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Our failures don’t define us—God’s grace does.

Is there a failure or fear holding you back? Take a moment to bring it to God today. Ask Him to reveal how His grace is sufficient for you in this season and to strengthen you to press forward in faith.

You’re not alone in this struggle. Failure isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an opportunity for God to show His strength in your life. Lean into His grace, knowing He will use even your missteps for His glory.

If Peter’s story resonates with you, read John 21:15-19 and reflect on how Jesus lovingly restored him. Spend time journaling or in prayer, asking God to show you how He wants to restore and use you.

Remember, your failures are not the end of the story. God’s grace is bigger than your fear. Keep pressing on!

“Lord, thank You for being the God of second chances. Help us to see our failures as opportunities for Your grace to shine and Your strength to be made perfect in our weakness. Give us the courage to press forward, trusting You with every step.”