Pursuing a dream can be both exhilarating and daunting. There’s an excitement in envisioning what could be, but often, this excitement is tempered by the fear of failure. What if I fail? What if things don’t work out as planned? These questions can paralyze us, holding us back from stepping out in faith. 

But Proverbs 24:16 offers us a powerful reminder that failure is not the end. In fact, it's often a crucial part of the journey. The verse doesn’t say the righteous never fall; instead, it acknowledges that even the righteous will face setbacks—perhaps many times over. But what sets the righteous apart is their resilience—their determination to rise again after every fall.

Failure is a natural part of pursuing any dream. It’s not a sign that we should give up, but rather an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen our faith. Each time we get back up, we’re demonstrating our trust in God’s plan, showing that we believe He is greater than our failures.

Fear of failure can keep us stuck in a place of inaction, but God calls us to move forward with courage. He doesn’t promise that the journey will be easy, but He does promise to be with us every step of the way. The key is to not let failure define us or our dreams. Instead, let it be a stepping stone that leads to greater resilience, wisdom, and reliance on God.

Remember, God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we rise again after a fall, we’re not just displaying our own strength, but the strength that comes from relying on Him. So, don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams, even if the path ahead seems uncertain. God has equipped you with everything you need to succeed, and even in the face of failure, He will help you rise again.

Querido Padre Celestial,

Thank You for Your powerful reminders in the Scriptures above. I confess I have often lacked the resilience to rise quickly again after a fall or failure. I confess my self-pity preferring to stay down rather than bounce back into action. Give me that resilience, I pray. Speak to me when I am down reminding me to get back into action through Scripture, through worship songs, through sermons, and through people who speak encouragement, strength, and comfort into my life. And help me also speak similar encouragement, strength, and comfort into the lives of brothers and sisters in Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

The last couple of years we have heard phrases like, “Since COVID, I can’t …there isn’t...it’s hard...” Have you internalized “I can’t” or stopped moving forward in an area God called you to? Get up! Confess it to Jesus and ask for forgiveness and an opportunity to obey now. If God shows you that particular opportunity has passed, pray today’s verse and humbly ask for another assignment.