What If Trying Isn't Failure?

Oct 30

2 min read

By Pastor Steve Pierce

One of the hardest things for many people is to try. What? I know a lot of people who say they want to do something, maybe play the guitar, or ride a motorcycle, but they are afraid to try. Some people want to be better parents or spouses, but trying to learn to be better is just too hard, or scary or whatever. People can be good at finding reasons not to try something. For many people, trying to do anything in a new way can be seen as a sign of failure. I mean, why would you need to change unless you are a bad at it.

As a parent, your kids are constantly changing and how you connect with them and teach them must evolve. Kids, your parents are changing too. Relationships are like that. The goal of any relationship is to connect and not everyone thinks, acts, or responds in the same ways and on top of that, people change over the years. How you communicate with your neighbor is probably different that how you connect with a co-worker or your friends. If you want to connect with others, you have to know who you are talking to and respond in a way that makes sense to them. You must pay attention to what others need. You must listen. You must try. That’s how you successfully connect. Trying leads to doing. Same with the guitar or learning to ride a motorcycle. It takes effort to learn and that leads to success. Without trying, there is little long-term success.

Relationships grow because we put the effort in to guard them, feed them, nourish them and adjust as needed. Effort. We try. If you are ready to fix a relationship, or take one to the next level, try. Don’t give up. Don’t live in fear. Fear survives in the darkness of hopelessness. To decide to try, to grow, to learn overcomes that fear and restores hope.

Trust God to be part of this process. You aren’t alone. God’s Word is filled with encouragement that helps us connect to Him and each other in truth and love.

Don’t stop loving. “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)
Don’t be afraid. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)
Don’t be anxious. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV)