Failure

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I really don’t like the word failure. It brings up connotations of absolute ruin, and is usually the result of bad choices and poor work – ultimately pointing to poor character, or inadequate ability or stamina.

In business, especially startups, we love to celebrate failure, but only after it has been followed by a win.

The truth is, we need to redefine failure. If you are a Christian and are obediently following God in your vocational calling, you need not fear failure, even though you may fail according to worldly terms.

I experienced this firsthand. After years of seeking God’s will and input from fellow believers, I started my own business in 2013. However, two years later, after countless days of hard work, struggle and sacrifice, it failed.

This was – and still is – difficult to say at times, but God has brought forth so much fruit both personally and professionally that I can now see, or at least begin to understand, why it happened. Additionally, and much more importantly, in all this God has been teaching me to find my identity and trust in him alone, rather than my abilities and performance.

So go forth boldly. Not because of your ability, or a guarantee that you won’t fail, but because of God’s calling. He is with you and with me, and he will ensure even a fail is a win for His Kingdom.

Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.Proverbs 16:3 NLT

~ Sean