ACTS 15:38
Born into poverty, Abraham Lincoln was faced with defeat most of his life. He lost eight elections, failed twice in business and suffered a nervous breakdown. He could have quit many times – but he did not and because he refused to quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the history of the United States. Lincoln was a champion and he never gave up. He once said, “I walk slowly, but I never walk backwards.”
To err is human – we all fail sometimes. Young Mark walked away from Paul and Barnabas on a missionary trip. Why he did this was not known. But whatever his reason (s), Paul did not consider it (them) satisfactory, and he disqualified him from being their companion again. This resulted in a strong disagreement with Barnabas. But in spite of his initial failings, Mark shows up years later in surprising ways. When Paul was isolated and in prison toward the end of his life, he asked for Mark and described him as “useful to me for ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:11). God also inspired Mark to write the gospel that bears his name.
Mark’s life shows us that God will not leave us to face our errors and failures alone. We have a Friend who is greater than every mistake. As we follow our Saviour, He will provide the help and strength we need to move on.
Failures should not stop us from moving forward.
