One of my favorite children’s books is The Little Engine That Could. This book conveys the profound message found in Proverb 23:7: “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Our success as writers depends largely on what we are thinking. Our thoughts control our actions, and our actions control our level of success. When you think you will fail, eventually you will. When you think you will succeed, eventually you will. The results lie in our way of thinking.
God has made us to succeed. Our success brings Him glory. This is not to say we won’t experience failure along the way. Failure is merely a steppingstone to success. Failure is not the end of the road; it is merely a bump in the road.
Failure has an important role to play on the journey to success. Failure teaches us that we need God to do anything. Failure teaches us that we need to grow. Failure teaches us compassion for others on their own journey.
Every successful person has encountered failure, sometimes a great deal of failure. But the one common denominator among successful people boils down to the way they think. Successful people are not daunted by failure. They confront it and overcome it. Why? Because they think they can.
Do you think you can overcome every failure in your writing career and in your life in general? If so, why? If not, why not? What does God’s Word say about ways to overcome failure?
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Source Photo: Microsoft Clipart
I agree, based solely on what I’ve observed. Confident people do well, often, even though I can see no reason for their confidence. Even though they aren’t particularly gifted, they often are more successful than others who are more talented.
I am confident with my writing. Much less confident with public speaking. I’m trying to learn how to believe that God is happy with my desire to speak. I’ve got years worth of training to overcome. Training that said, you aren’t every interesting and you’re not a good speaker.
I think, I’m a reasonably intelligent person and though I’m not a natural-born speaker, I can learn to be a decent speaker, even if I’m never a great one. And that’s my goal. To speak well enough to be able to do school visits, once I publish my books (which I’m confident I will sell.)
🙂
July 16, 2012 8:13 PM
Thanks so much for your comments, Sally! I will pray that our Lord opens doors for you to speak in schools and elsewhere where you can help build His Kingdom.
Blessings,
MaryAnn
July 16, 2012 9:31 PM
This is so timely, MaryAnn! I’ve been mentally wrestling with some things and this is a great encouragement. In a message I heard years ago, Jerry Savelle said the same thing – that failures were stepping stones to success. It’s true, and we can do what we need to and are called to do, through Jesus. We have the greater One in us. I am thankful for that!
Many thanks and blessings,
Karen
July 17, 2012 4:06 PM
Thank YOU, dear Karen, for your comments. I praise God that my post encouraged you. You are right that we can always do what we need to do through the power of Christ! Glory to His Holy Name!
Blessings,
MaryAnn
July 17, 2012 5:30 PM