In chapter one of volume eight which is entitled “Lesson Fourteen: Failure”, the author informs us that he will not use the negative term of the word as the world does, but he will express failure as “temporary defeat” which we can learn from and overcome.

 

On page 1, the author wrote, “In the outset, let us distinguish between ‘failure’ and ‘temporary defeat.’ Let us see if that which is so often looked upon as ‘failure’ is not, in reality, but ‘temporary defeat.’ Moreover, let us see if this temporary defeat is not usually a blessing in disguise, for the reason that it brings us up with a jerk and redirects our energies along different and more desirable lines.”

 

“In lesson nine of this course, we learn that strength grows out of resistance; and we shall learn, in this lesson, that sound character is usually the handiwork of reverses, and set backs, and temporary defeats, which the uninformed part of the world calls ‘Failure.’”

 

Peter made a similar statement in 1 Peter 1:6-7, “Wherein, ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that your trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

 

Also James stated in James 1:2-4, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers [many] temptations; your faith worketh patience. But patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

 

To continue this idea in verse 12, it states, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

 

In this view, when in a trial whether by our personal sins or just outside circumstances beyond our control, we should count it with joy, even though it may not seem like it at the time. It is only a temporary defeat or setback which we should overcome and endure with the help of God the Father and Jesus Christ.

 

If a trial is caused by our personal sins, then we should try to overcome it because by overcoming we can develop our character to be more like the character of God. Our personal sins are just setbacks that we must overcome to become a better Christian.

 

If it is outside circumstances, then we need to recognize that we have a God who can help us overcome these trials. He is the provider of all our needs and wants and has the power to bless us in time of need.

 

So next time we are facing a failure in our personal conduct or in a situation that seems difficult to overcome, I encourage you to try to view it as a temporary defeat or setback and not as a failure. Failure is only when there is no longer any hope to overcome and we do understand that with God all things are possible.

 

For as Paul wrote to the Romans in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things [whether good or bad] work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”