Overcoming Failure
Failing is a common but disappointing life experience that always seems to catch us by surprise. When our failures are placed into the hand of Jesus, he can use even our shortcomings to fuel our growth. Let’s discover the part failure played in Peter’s life and how we can take positive first steps following failure.
Read through Luke 22:54-62 and imagine that you are part of this scene. Are you a bystander, one of Jesus’ disciples watching, Peter, or some other person in the story? What might you see, hear, smell, touch, and taste?
Although Peter had been specifically warned about his potential for failure (see Luke 22:31-34), he still denied knowing Jesus and being a disciple. What could have caused him to neglect Jesus’ warning and prediction and fail in this moment?
Is there something you believe Jesus may be telling you through this story or from the weekend message?
What are some ways that we might “deny” Jesus today?
Reflect back on your past life and your past month, how have you experienced failure and fallen short? How did you respond to those moments of failure?
When you experience failure, which action might be most meaningful for you to overcome failure…
• Stand strong in God’s grace.
• Tell the truth.
• Engage in healthy relationships.
• Persevere.
How can you ask God to help you learn and grow through your failure or is there a person whom you could help restore in their struggles?
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