What God Says about Failure
by Gena Barnhill @BarnhillGena
Have you wondered what God says about failure or been burdened with the thought you are a failure? Let’s examine this lie and God’s truth.
Lie: I am a failure.
Truth: God’s truth is I am a conqueror who can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Romans 8:37; Philippians 4:13).
We have prayed with people burdened by believing they were failures when they did not meet certain expectations. This destructive belief attempts to prevent us from fully walking in God’s purpose for our lives. Instead of focusing on disappointment and self-accusation over our mistakes, we can ask the Lord what He wants us to learn from our errors. Failure does not define us and is not our identity. As believers, we walk from a place of victory in Christ. Let us explore five Bible verses that refute the lie of failure and remind us of our identity and victory in Christ.
What Does God Say About Failure #hope #healing Click To TweetWhat the Bible Says about Failure in Romans 8:37
In Romans 8:37, the apostle Paul declared, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” This verse reminds us failure does not characterize us. Through the power of Christ, we have been fitted to overcome every hindrance, challenge, and setback that comes our way. Rather than accept defeat, we walk in the assurance of victory.
As believers, our identity is in Christ and His finished work on the cross. Our identity is not based on past errors or perceived failures. Instead, we are defined by the love and grace of our Savior. He has empowered us to rise above failure and walk in the triumph of God’s steadfast love.
When the lie of failure attempts to take hold of our hearts, we must hold onto the truth of Romans 8:37. We declare with confidence we are conquerors, knowing God’s love and power within us are greater than any situation or feeling of inadequacy. This verse encourages us to shift our focus from our perceived failures to the victorious life we have in our Lord.
What Paul Says about Failure in Philippians 4:13
In Philippians 4:13, Paul referred to Christ when he wrote, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This powerful verse reminds us of the source of our strength—Jesus Christ. Our success is not dependent on our efforts and capabilities but on the strength and empowerment we receive from Jesus. Our success comes when we put our trust in Jesus.
When the lie of failure tries to persuade us that we lack the skills, abilities, or resources to succeed, we can declare we are not limited by our strength. We have access to supernatural power through Christ. He equips us with everything we need to fulfill His purposes.
We are able to step out in faith, knowing sufficiency is found in Jesus. Philippians 4:13 challenges us to reject the lie of failure and believe we can accomplish great things with God’s strength and assistance. Meditate on this verse so when faced with challenges, you can respond with boldness and confidence that the Lord will see you through the difficulties.
Another Perspective from 2 Corinthians 12:9
Paul shared another profound truth he heard from the Lord in 2 Corinthians 12:9. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” We can take encouragement from knowing our weaknesses and perceived failures do not disqualify us from God’s love, provision, and purpose for our lives. His power is most obvious and made perfect in our weaknesses. When we trained in healing prayer, our instructors often reminded us God does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called.
When we feel unqualified for work God has called us to, or burdened by a sense of failure, we can find comfort in the truth His grace is more than enough to cover our insufficiencies. His grace is not limited by our shortcomings but overflows to empower and fortify us. Instead of relying on our strength, we need to rely on the Lord’s strength to sustain us.
Considering 2 Corinthians 12:9, we can view our weaknesses and failures as opportunities for God to evidence His power and faithfulness. We no longer need to hide in shame or fear from condemnation of failure because God’s grace shields and protects us. His power is released when we submit our weaknesses to Him and allow Him to work through us. He will turn our failures into testimonies of His goodness.
What God Says about Failure in Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11 delivers a powerful promise from God. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This verse declares God has a purpose and plan for our lives. It is a reminder failure is not the end but a stepping stone toward the completion of God’s greater plan.
When the lie of failure attempts to cause hopelessness and despair, we can cling to the truth of Jeremiah 29:11. It reassures us our current conditions or past failures do not define our future. God’s plans for us are good, filled with hope, and designed for our welfare.
We can trust even in the face of failure, God is at work, orchestrating a wonderful story for our lives. He is not limited by our stumbling blocks but uses them as opportunities for growth, refinement, and redirection. We can find comfort and encouragement in knowing God is in control, and His plans for us will succeed.
What John Says about Failure in 1 John 4:4
The apostle John wrote in 1 John 4:4, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” This verse reminds us, as children of God, we have power to defeat the lies and deceptions of the world, including the lie of failure.
When the world tries to label us by our failures and shortcomings, we can stand firm in knowing the Holy Spirit dwells within us. This indwelling supernatural power helps us face obstacles. With God’s presence within us, we can rise above the lies that try to diminish our worth and destiny.
Scripture encourages us to shift our focus from perceived failures to the greatness of God. It invites us to hold onto the truth we are not alone or powerless. We have the Holy Spirit working in and through us, enabling us to walk in victory and triumph over the lie of failure.
Conclusion
In summary, the lie of failure can hinder our walk with God and distort our identity if we embrace it. Through the power of God’s Word, we can negate this lie and accept the truth we are victorious in Christ. The verses explored—Romans 8:37, Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Jeremiah 29:11, and 1 John 4:4—remind us of our identity as conquerors, our strength in Christ, the sufficiency of God’s grace, His plans for our future, and the power within us. This is what God says about failure.
As we contemplate these verses, let us renounce the lie of failure and align our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes with God’s truth. Our victory is in Christ, and the truth is we are loved, empowered, and have a God-given destiny. May these verses serve as a continual reminder of our true identity, helping us to live a life that brings glory to God and encourages others to embrace their victory in Christ.
Now it is your turn. We learn from each other. What would you consider sharing with someone who thought they were a failure?
Be sure to leave your thoughts on our Facebook Group Healing Prayer Discussion.
Blessings,
Gena
In case you missed the rest of The Lies We Tell Ourselves Series, here are the links:
Intro to the Lies We Tell Ourselves
Overcoming the Lie “I’m Not Good Enough” and Embracing How God Sees You
Have You Believed I’ll Never Be Loved
