Finding Favor in Our Feelings of Failure
She said, This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people (Luke 1:25).
by Michele Bowden on Monday, December 4, 2023
When in the middle of a situation, sometimes we cannot envision all the possibilities. We can get a sort of myopic vision. We struggle to see through the dark walls of shame, fear, and hopelessness. It is hard in those moments to remember that failure is not the only option.
Truthfully, I get to experience “failure” in many ways as an artist. I recently pulled together a collection of art originals from an epic trip hiking the Mont Blanc Trail for my 25th wedding anniversary.
I hosted several marketing campaigns on my social media before I left for the hike. I videoed the experience and had lots of engagement during the trip that helped connect me with potential buyers. So inspired when I got home, I cranked out some of my best works I have ever accomplished, in my own opinion. But not one single piece sold. I spent the next few weeks trying to understand and doing a lot of wondering.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were in a season of waiting and wondering.
Why were they, who were called righteous, not able to bear a child? Two priestly lines intersected through their marriage. Yet the blessing seemed to be forgotten.
How could they remain hopeful in these unfortunate circumstances? Had they failed as followers of God?
They were called the favored ones, but the evidence of favor seemed to be absent.
Inevitably, they lost hope in believing the promise because it didn’t seem like God was keeping His.
Where even was He?
All along, God heard their prayers, but Zechariah lost sight of trusting in the promise.
Even after the angel appeared, Zechariah was still not sure.
Still questioning.
Then silenced.
Told to bear the consequences until they bore the child.
Once they received clear details as to when the child was coming and how they should raise this child, Zechariah and Elizabeth were finally able to turn their hearts to God and could now fully stand in the promise once seemingly absent. All along they had God’s favor, but now they could see it, hear it, and speak about it!
“All along they had God’s favor, but now they could see it, hear it, and speak about it!”
In a leaping baby in the womb, in the gentle cries during the night, and in each time they spoke of the joy they held, Zechariah and Elizabeth were able to tell of the promised favor of the Lord!
Zechariah and Elizabeth knew a different outcome. It wasn’t failure. God was right in the middle of the work. They could now see new possibilities. They were finally holding on to truth. God was whispering all along, “Blessed are you, highly favored ones!”
As I reflected on the art that didn’t sell, I realized those pieces may have been for my own growth and for my own documentation of the amazing experience I had in my travels. The incredible snow-covered mountain images, lakefront views, and the beautiful flower shop I fell in love with were inspiration for me. Maybe those pieces weren’t even meant for others or maybe one day soon they will sell. Who knows?
What I do know is that during those hours creating and reflecting, I thanked God for the trip, for 25 years of marriage, and for an experience of a lifetime. God was right in the middle of that work. That was surely not failure.
Refining experiences and personal growth are valuable things in God’s economy. We don’t often celebrate those elements in the middle of a difficulty. We should.
If you are in a season of waiting and wondering, what are some other outcomes for you to consider other than failure? What promise can you hold onto in the waiting?
Thank you to Michele Bowden for our Advent image.