Learning From Mistakes
Scripture Reading — Proverbs 24:16
Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
I’ve come to appreciate the value of learning from mistakes and of reframing failures as opportunities for growth. The insights shared by mentors, friends, and even strangers have profoundly shaped my understanding of resilience and perseverance.
When I was younger, I viewed failure as a reflection of my inadequacy. But a mentor once told me, “Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of it.” That helped me to see mistakes not as dead ends but as stepping stones toward improvement and wisdom.
A memorable example was a project I led that did not go as planned. I felt defeated, but a wise colleague encouraged me to analyze what went wrong and what could be done differently the next time. That helped me to see the experience as a learning opportunity.
I also recall a pastor sharing a story of his own failure in ministry. His transparency and humility taught me that even the people we look up to experience setbacks. This encouraged me to view failure as a shared human experience.
Learning from our mistakes means acknowledging them, seeking feedback, and making necessary adjustments. It involves humility and a willingness to change. By reframing failure, we can grow in resilience, deepen our trust in God’s guidance, and continue moving forward with hope.
Father, teach us to learn from our mistakes and to see failures as opportunities for growth. Help us to be resilient and trust in you for guidance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Darrell Delaney
Darrell Delaney is a cohost of ReFrame’s podcast ministry Groundwork and serves as lead chaplain with Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry in Michigan. He considers it his life’s calling to create and facilitate life-giving environments in which people can thrive and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Darrell and his wife, Kia, have three children. He enjoys spending time with family, walking, reading, and playing basketball, chess, and video games.
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