Today’s Reflection
That’s the offer that God makes for each of us. It sucks to fail. We have to name that. We cannot glibly spout off phrases such as “Failure makes you stronger” without acknowledging how difficult it is to come back from failure. But we also cannot be paralyzed by the feeling that failure is final.
—Christian Coon, Failing Boldly: How Falling Down in Ministry Can Be the Start of Rising Up (Discipleship Resources, 2017)
Today’s Question
Think about the failures in your life that still carry a sense of finality. How might God be inviting you to see them differently? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
We are afflicted in every way but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, . . . struck down but not destroyed.
—2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
Loving God, in our failure and our pain, remind us that we are still your beloved. Give us the courage to face what hurts, the grace to grow from it, and the faith to trust that no failure is final in your hands. Help us risk, hope, and live boldly—knowing you walk with us every step of the way. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Lectionary Readings
- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
- Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
- Galatians 5:1, 13-25
- Luke 9:51-62
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.