“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” Proverbs 24:16

Life is full of vicissitudes, a constant reminder of our humanness and limits in our course of action. Some things in life just take time. We cannot fast track them. An eagle for instance cannot deploy its wings before its features fully grow. Although the mastery of the sky is a potential bestowed to the eagle, it needs to go through the law of process. Any early attempt from the bird to jump off a cliff will result in a calamity. The eagle is thus nurtured and protected by his mother until the appropriate time to set off in sky. However, it seems like we forget at times as children of God some laws that are detrimental to our survival on earth and expect a quick miracle to usher us into seasons of blessings. While it is true and within God’s remit to do, it is not always his preferred course of action. He has exalted his word above his name (Psalm 138:2).

Two main lessons we can draw from the main verse:

1. Failure is part of learning and growing.

Failure is not an end but a reminder of the existence of a better way different from the one that we have tried. It is a call to explore other avenues in order to reach our destination. The farther away from the Holy Spirit we are, the longer the journey. Persistency and diligence are requirements for success in spite of failures.

2. Faith is the fuel that keeps the momentum going even when all looks uncertain. 

The greatest prayer warrior cannot soar if he does not understand the laws that govern spiritual realities. So long as the grain does not die, it shall not bear much fruit. It matters where the grain is planted; the soil matters for its development and yield.  You will never know how high you can soar until you try. You will never try until you have faith. Unbelief sees something in God’s hand, and say, “I cannot get it.” Faith sees it, and says, “I will have it” D. L Moody. The world is full of people who will never reach their full potential because of fear of the unknown.

Failures are an indissociable part of success. At the tail end of every success are track records of failed projects and attempts. The dilemma lies not in failing but in remaining in the failing state.