RISING AFTER FAILURE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Joshua 8:1-2
Key Verse: “And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land.” — Joshua 8:1 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Micah 7:8; Proverbs 24:16; Psalm 37:23-24; Isaiah 43:18-19; John 21:15-19
INTRODUCTION:
Failure is one of life’s most painful experiences, especially when it comes after a great victory. Joshua and the Israelites faced such a moment after their humiliating defeat at Ai. Their hearts melted with fear, and Joshua fell before God in despair. Yet, God did not leave them in that state of defeat — He gave them another chance to rise again.
God is a God of restoration and mercy. He understands our weaknesses and failures. When we fall, He calls us to rise again in faith, not to wallow in guilt or shame. Through repentance and renewed obedience, He leads us into a new beginning.
Every believer must learn that failure is not final. With God, every setback can become a setup for a greater comeback. When we trust Him and obey His voice, He turns our defeats into victories and our disappointments into testimonies.
1. FAILURE IS NOT FINAL WITH GOD
Failure does not define your destiny; God’s mercy does. When we fall, God lifts us up again if we humble ourselves before Him.
a) God understands human weakness (Psalm 103:13-14)
God knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. He does not condemn us forever when we stumble.
b) Repentance restores relationship (1 John 1:9)
Genuine repentance brings cleansing and restoration to fellowship with God.
c) God’s mercy triumphs over judgement (Lamentations 3:22-23)
His mercies are new every morning, assuring us of hope beyond our mistakes.
d) God renews fallen vessels for His purpose (2 Timothy 2:21)
When we yield to His refining process, He makes us useful again in His service.
Biblical Example: Peter denied Jesus three times but was later restored and used mightily in Acts 2 to bring 3,000 souls to salvation.
2. GOD GIVES NEW INSTRUCTIONS AFTER FAILURE
When you rise again, God will not lead you the same way. He gives new strategies to ensure a different result.
a) Divine direction guarantees success (Proverbs 3:5-6)
When we listen to God’s voice, He directs our paths and prevents repeated mistakes.
b) God reveals hidden errors (Psalm 19:12-13)
Before giving new instructions, God often exposes what went wrong so we can correct it.
c) New obedience brings new victory (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Obedience to divine instruction releases supernatural success and favour.
d) God’s strategy always fits the situation (Joshua 8:2)
God told Joshua to set an ambush against Ai, a different plan from Jericho’s. His ways are always unique.
Biblical Example: After a night of failure, Jesus told Peter to cast the net on the right side of the boat (John 21:6). The same sea that once yielded nothing produced abundance when he obeyed.
3. FEAR AND DISCOURAGEMENT MUST BE REJECTED
Defeat often produces fear and doubt, but God commands His people to rise in courage and faith.
a) God commands, “Fear not” (Joshua 8:1)
Fear paralyses faith; faith activates victory. God always reassures His people after failure.
b) Courage is renewed by God’s Word (Romans 10:17)
The Word of God restores faith and confidence to face challenges again.
c) Focus on God’s promise, not past pain (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Forget the former things, God is doing a new thing, even out of your past defeat.
d) Surround yourself with encouragers (1 Samuel 23:16)
Jonathan strengthened David’s hand in God; find voices that lift your spirit, not those that condemn.
Biblical Example: Elijah ran in fear after Jezebel’s threat, but God restored him with a still small voice and renewed strength to continue his mission (1 Kings 19:1-18).
4. OBEDIENCE RESTORES DIVINE FAVOUR AND VICTORY
Once you rise, obedience is the key to sustaining restoration. God blesses those who trust and obey Him completely.
a) Obedience re-establishes divine partnership (Amos 3:3)
Agreement with God ensures that His presence goes with us again.
b) Disobedience brings delay (Isaiah 1:19-20)
Willing and obedient hearts enjoy the blessings of the land.
c) Obedience activates supernatural power (John 2:5)
When we do what Jesus says, miracles happen.
d) Consistent obedience guarantees lasting victory (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)
Those who continually walk in obedience will not only rise again but remain victorious.
Biblical Example: The Israelites obeyed God’s new command and won the battle of Ai after their earlier defeat. Their obedience turned shame into triumph.
CONCLUSION:
Failure is not the end for a child of God. It is a call to repentance, reflection, and renewed trust in the Lord. When we learn from our mistakes and follow divine instructions, God turns our failures into testimonies.
Just as Joshua rose after defeat, you too can rise again. God’s mercy is greater than your past, His wisdom is higher than your mistakes, and His grace will empower you to overcome every challenge and move from defeat to victory.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for being the God of second chances and restoration.
2. Father, forgive me for every act of disobedience that has led to failure.
3. Lord, lift me from every pit of defeat and restore my confidence in You.
4. O God, reveal to me the causes of every past failure in my life.
5. Lord, give me fresh strategies and divine wisdom for new victories.
6. I reject every spirit of fear and discouragement in the name of Jesus.
7. Lord, renew my strength and courage to rise and move forward.
8. Father, restore Your presence and favour in every area of my life.
9. O God, help me to walk in total obedience to Your instructions.
10. Lord, turn every past defeat in my life into a greater testimony of victory.
