Try Again!

Most everyone has heard the expression, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” It is like other expressions that become so common they almost sound like scripture. Isn’t that in the Bible? Like many common expressions, there is an element of truth in the statement. Perseverance and the tenacity to try again after facing defeat and failure is an admirable quality.

The Bible cautions against attempting to do a job and then turning away from it. Jesus said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). And again, “He who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

In history there are abundant stories concerning those who failed many times before ultimately discovering the success that won them fame. Virtually all well known inventors have created many more failed inventions than successful ones. Thomas Edison tested two thousand filaments for the first light bulb before he finally found one that worked. In his attempt to develop a better battery he performed 50,000 tests without success. When his assistant commented that he must be discouraged at the lack of progress, Edison replied, “We’ve made a lot of progress. At least we know 50,000 things that won’t work!” The result of his research developed the nickel-iron alkaline battery that is still being used today.

We may have failed in the past. We may have failed this week. We may have said, “It’s just no use. I am a failure.” The truth is you are only a failure if you fail to try again!

No one promised that the Christian life would be one of pain free existence and easy living. There will always be the temptation to “throw in the towel” and give up. Firm resolve to continue and the commitment to try again will bring success in life and in Christian living.