Falling Is Not Failing

Watching a child take his or her first steps is a marvelous sight to behold. Pictures are taken, memories are created and lives changed.

Recently a mother and father brought their infant son to the Garden for his first steps. After finding the “perfect” location for this historic event, the father gently placed his hands under the child’s arms. As the child looked down at his tiny feet and with uncertainty began to “toddle” forward, the father relaxed his grip. Slowly, as the child began to walk on his own, he removed his hands completely. After a few staggering and uncertain steps the little fellow began to carry his weight on his own two feet. The parents were thrilled!

Suddenly, the child lost his balance and fell to the ground. Rushing to pick him up the father smiled, hugged him, and encouraged him to “try again.” There was no scolding or rejection for falling. Rather, the father lifted him, dried his tears, hugged him, and helped him to begin again.

How like our Heavenly Father. If the Lord is delighted in the way we walk – even though we fail and fall – He will rescue us, lift us, and “make our steps firm.” As long as we do our part to walk in His ways, He will do His part and give us the stability to “move on.”

When we falter and fall, He does not consider us a failure. He lovingly lifts us, tenderly dries our tears, and then carefully watches over us as we struggle to walk with Him in His ways. He will never leave us nor forsake us if we fall.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your care, concern, and compassion that always supports and sustains us. May we trust Your arms to hold us up! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 37:23-24 

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