Devotional

Failure

Ready 

"Then Jesus said to them, 'All of you will run away.'" –Mark 14:27a

Set 

Jesus chose the disciples as His team—all twelve of them—and all twelve failed! When Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested, the disciples ran away into hiding. They started out wanting to defend Jesus, but fear took over. Jesus predicted this would happen, yet still wanted these men on His team.

We all fail. As athletes we will blow an assignment, strike out, or miss a shot. When this happens will the coach still want us on the team? Truthfully, sometimes yes and sometimes no. But if we keep trying and do not give up, we are more likely to keep our spot on the team.

After Jesus’ team failed, they rallied. Jesus appeared to them several times after the Resurrection to rebuke and encourage them. His team was back and ready for action; but no matter how hard they tried, eventually they failed again. Can you relate? Failure is an everyday occurrence for all of us. We might forget to do homework, flunk a test, or tell a lie. We must remember that this does not eliminate us from the team.

To overcome failure we need to get focused and get in the game! Failure only wins when we quit. Be a winner and stay on the team!

Go 

1. What other failures did Jesus’ team experience?
2. What is the worst failure you have had in your life?
3. What can you do to overcome your failures?

Workout 

Mark 14:27-50

Overtime 

Father, thank You for loving me even when I fail. I want to be a person who perseveres. Give me strength to keep going and courage so that I will not deny You. Please teach me in my failures and show me what needs to be adjusted so that I can be victorious in You. Amen.

Bible Reference: 
Mark 14
Ministry