Daily Devotional: The Value in Failing Forward
- David A. Case
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
By David A. Case
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31, NKJV)
An authority figure can create an atmosphere where those under his care have the freedom to fail because failing is part of learning to succeed. Or he can create an atmosphere where every mistake is met with belittling, domination, fear, and shame. The difference between those two approaches is enormous.
God clearly tells us in Romans 8:31 that He is for us. That does not mean He approves of everything we do. It means His heart is turned toward our good. He is not waiting to crush us when we stumble. He is working to form us, strengthen us, correct us, and bring us into the fullness of what He has designed.
Those in authority should carry that same spirit. They should be cheerleaders in the best sense of the word. They should encourage and develop the greatness of the people for whom they are responsible. The adult should act like an adult. He should cover, nurture, and protect.
A godly authority understands that the first attempts of a child to walk will include falling down. That is normal. Failure is normal when it is headed in the right direction. The goal is not to eliminate every fall. The goal is to keep the effort moving toward maturity. There is a kind of failure that is moving in the wrong direction and must be confronted. But there is also a kind of failure that simply means someone is learning to walk.
Authority must know the difference. If an authority figure is mostly concerned with his own performance, his own image, or his own position, he cannot create freedom for others to grow. He compares. He demands. He provokes. Ephesians 6:4 warns fathers not to provoke their children to wrath. Much of that provoking happens when the authority figure cares more about being embarrassed by failure than about helping the person grow through failure.
When authority becomes vertical in the wrong way, people live in fear of doing anything wrong. The husband, father, leader, or mentor dominates the atmosphere. Then the very fear he creates causes much of the failure he later ridicules. That is not godly authority. That is spiritual immaturity wearing the clothing of leadership.
True authority is influence. Influence that gives life creates courage. People try new things when they feel covered. They take healthy risks when they know someone is for them. They grow when failure is treated as a point of learning, not proof that they are worthless.
Without integrity, there can be no real trust. If I have influence, I must ask whether my presence gives others courage or makes them afraid. God is for us. Those who represent Him in authority should help others feel the strength to become who God created them to be.
Reflection Question
Do the people under my influence feel freedom to grow, or fear of disappointing me?
Prayer
Father, teach me to carry authority in a way that gives life. Forgive me for the times I have responded to failure with fear, shame, or control. Help me be for others as You are for me. Let my influence create courage, growth, and trust. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Obedience Step for Today
Encourage someone today who is learning, trying, or recovering from a mistake. Speak specifically to the growth you see rather than only the outcome.
This devotional was inspired by the book Heart Change Handbook by David A. Case. If you found it helpful, please consider it for your own self-study and suggest it to your church small group or recovery community as a basis for small group study.
If this message has encouraged you to pursue deeper transformation, I invite you to continue the journey through The Heart Change Handbook. It provides a practical, biblical path for spiritual growth and is an excellent resource for church small groups and recovery communities. Consider getting your copy today and introducing it to your group as a guide toward meaningful heart change.
👉 Learn more about Small Group Resources from Heart Change U.
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