Who Are You Drafting?

Read

Proverbs 24:16 “But the righteous fails seven times and rises again.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”

Think

Did you know that in the NFL, a significant number of the tackles are made by players who have already fallen to the ground? It's a fascinating statistic that underscores the resilience and determination of these athletes. Despite stumbling, they refuse to stay down.

This phenomenon reminds me of a quote by Andrew Stanton, the renowned director behind hits like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Wall-E. He once said, "Fail early and fail fast. Be wrong as fast as you can." Stanton emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a natural part of the learning process. He compares it to riding a bike – you're bound to experience bumps and bruises before mastering the skill.

This mindset resonates with many leaders who view failure not as a roadblock, but as a stepping-stone to success. Take Thomas Edison, for instance. When questioned about his numerous failed attempts while inventing the lightbulb, he famously responded, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that didn't work." Edison's perspective highlights the iterative nature of progress – each setback brings valuable lessons that propel us closer to our goals.

Consider applying this perspective to your own context, whether it's within your organization, team, or personal life. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they don't define our journey.  Like Moses who had a murder on his rap sheet and Peter who denied Jesus, we too can rise above adversity and continue moving forward.

So, the next time you encounter a setback, remember that failure is not the end – it's an opportunity to learn, grow, and ultimately succeed. Keep pushing forward, remain resilient in the face of obstacles, and never lose sight of your God-given goals.

Apply

"Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." - Psalm 37:24. Identify one area of your life where you feel you have experienced a setback and give it to God. Reflect on the lessons you are learning through the situation.

Pray

God, I trust your promises and know you are faithful in every situation. Thank you for leading me through the valleys and guiding me with your presence. Help me as I lead others to persevere, to be steady under pressure. In Jesus’ name. Amen.