Exodus 2:11–12 “Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to his brethren and looked on their hard labors; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. So he looked this way and that, and when he saw there was no one around, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.”
Introduction:
Today, we delve into a powerful narrative from the life of Moses, an extraordinary leader who teaches us about the art of failing forward. Despite his flaws and failures, Moses’ life serves to teach us many valuable lessons. One of them is how to handle failure.
If you are going to Success in life, you need to learn to Fail Forward.
Did you know that entrepreneurs almost never get their first business off the ground? Or their second? Or their third? According to Tulane University business professor Lisa Amos, the average for entrepreneurs is 3.8 failures before they finally make it in business.
Soccer player Kyle Rote Jr. remarked, “There is no doubt in my mind that there are many ways to be a winner, but there is really only one way to be a loser and that is to fail and not look beyond the failure.”
Moses journey demonstrates that even in our failures, God’s grace ushers us toward growth and purpose.
Let’s pull out three truths from his story that can transform our failures into Failing Forward.
1. Accept Accountability
Moses’ life illustrates that failure isn’t fatal if acknowledged with humility. After killing an Egyptian in a fit of anger (Exodus 2:11-12), he had a choice to make. Owning up to his actions marked the beginning of his transformation.
Failing Backward is Blaming others, Repeating the same mistakes, Expecting Never to fail again, Being Limited by your past mistakes, and Thinking I am a Failure.
Failing forward is Taking Responsibility, Learning from your mistakes, Knowing Failure is a Part of Progress, Maintaining a positive Attitude, Taking new Risks, and Believing you just found one way that does not work.
Jessica Lahey, in her book, “The Gift of Failure,” says one of the greatest lessons we can teach our children is the Value of Failure.
There is value in failure? You may ask. YES!
You learn that failure is a natural and necessary part of growth. Experiencing setbacks helps children develop resilience and learn important life skills.
Failure needs to be redefined as,
First,
Attempt,
In,
Learning
a) Acknowledge your Actions.
Facing the truth and accepting responsibility is the first step. Proverbs 28:13 teaches us, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Embrace the power of confession and learn from your mistakes.
b) Abandon Arrogance
Moses transitioned from a prince in Pharaoh’s palace, full of pride, to a humble shepherd in Midian. Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” Humility brings us closer to God’s purpose.
John Maxwell, a Leading Voice in Business today, in his book, "Failing Forward" said:
I believe that to succeed, a person needs only four things. You can remember them by thinking of the word REAL.
Relationships: The greatest skill needed for success is the ability to get along with other people. It impacts every aspect of a person’s life. Your relationships make you or they break you.
Equipping: One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is that those closest to you determine the level of your success. If your dreams are great, you achieve them only with a team.
Attitude: People’s attitudes determine how they approach life day to day. Your attitude, more than your aptitude, will determine your altitude.
Leadership: Everything rises and falls on leadership. If you desire to lift the lid on your personal effectiveness, the only way to do it is to increase your leadership skills.
Vincent Van Gosh said, “Success is sometimes the outcome of a whole string of failures.”
Don’t be afraid to fail.
So, the first truth to turn Failure into Failing forward is Accept Accountability.
2. Align with God’s Assignment
Even after his failure, God didn’t abandon Moses but instead, aligned him with a divine purpose through the burning bush encounter (Exodus 3:1-10). God transforms our failures into a platform for his purpose.
a) Attune to God’s Calling
Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” When setbacks happen, seek God’s guidance to discover the calling hidden within your failure.
b) Arise to Act
Once aligned with God’s assignment, act fearlessly. James 2:17 reminds us, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Moses didn’t just hear God’s call; he stepped up to lead.
Don’t waste energy trying to cover up failure.
Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge.
It’s okay to fail.
If you’re not failing, you’re not growing.
—H. STANLEY JUDD
So, the first truth to turn Failure into Failing forward is Accept Accountability.
The second truth is Align with God’s Assignment.
3. Advance with Assurance
Moses moved forward with confidence, fueled by God’s promise of presence. Despite many challenges leading the Israelites, he persisted by relying on divine assurance.
Not once, or twice, but over ten times Moses went to Pharaoh and said, “Let my people go.”
That is determination.
That is conviction.
That is assurance.
When you know what God wants you to do, go with the same determination, the same conviction, and the same assurance as Moses.
a) Anchor in God’s Promises
Hebrews 13:5-6 offers us the assurance that God will never leave nor forsake us. Cling to His promises, especially when your journey gets tough.
b) Apply Persistent Faith
Endure hardships with a steadfast spirit. In
Exodus 14:13-14, Moses told the Israelites, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.”
Let faith be your anchor during trials, during setbacks, and yes, during Failures.
Conclusion:
Moses’ story is a testament that failure isn’t the end; it’s a steppingstone to God’s greater plans. By accepting accountability, aligning with God’s assignment, and advancing with assurance, we can all learn to fail forward with grace. Embrace each of these lessons with the same hope and courage that Moses did, and watch God transform your failures into victories. As we leave today, let’s commit to moving forward with faith, just as Moses did.
