History has many accounts of men and women whose work and influence changed the world, but whose beginnings were less than impressive. At the end of their lives, the list of accomplishments undeniably challenged their humble, often failing records as children, which in some instances followed them into adulthood.
Winston Churchill, the man considered England’s most extraordinary prime minister of the 20th century, was not a bright student as a young man. He performed poorly in every subject except history and English composition and failed twice the entrance exam to the Royal Military College at Sandhurst. Only with the help of a military tutor was he able to qualify after a third attempt. Churchill’s father, a wealthy British aristocrat, reportedly mentioned that he was concerned that his son was not smart enough to earn a living in England.
Charles Darwin went to Shrewsbury school as a young boy, where most of the lessons were in the classics, such as Latin. He was such a weak student that one teacher allegedly told him: “You will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family.”
G.K. Chesterton, the prolific English writer, could not read until he was 8. He was also the object of a teacher’s demeaning comments about his intellect.
Thomas Edison’s first teacher described the great inventor as “addled,” and his father’s unsupportive comments haunted the genius.
The list is long and inspiring. Indeed, so many of history’s “greats” repeatedly failed before achieving success. These men and women whose inventions, political influence, published works, or scientific findings still guide and influence life in the 21st century were arguably not supposed to succeed. And yet, because they never gave up, they finished strong.
Historical figures who did not allow their humble beginnings or failures to dictate the end of their story truly inspire me. Likewise, I am incredibly grateful for the many examples in Scriptures of people whose faith failure did not determine their final destiny. Indeed, the Bible brims with such characters – men and women whose faith failures were so great that they temporarily affected not only their lives but their families and even entire nations. Their mistakes or falling into temptation sent their lives into a detour that led to incredible heartbreak and delayed promises.
Nowhere in the Bible do we uncover more encouragement concerning the matter than in the 11th chapter of the book of Hebrew. It is there that we find what has been dubbed by scholars the “Faith Hall of Fame.”
The chapter includes a long list of men and women whose accounts fill Scriptures with examples of great courage and unwavering faith. But among the names, certain characters stand out as people who failed God miserably, giving in to temptations, bluntly disobeying his commandments, or leaning on their own understanding instead of faithfully obeying God’s instructions.
Their story is well known to students of Scriptures, from the Torah through the New Testament:
Abraham lied about his marital status, exposing his wife Sarah to adultery. Sarah pushed Abraham to have sex with her servant in an attempt to give God a little help in fulfilling his promise of an heir. Noah is recorded as having a drinking problem after the flood. Jacob deceived his dad and cunningly stole his brother Esau’s birthright. Rahab was a harlot. And standing as the greatest surprise is Samson – the Nazarite led to complete debauchery due to unrestrained sexual desire, wrecking his life in the process. His name is there too, not because of a lifelong history of faith, but because of one final act of surrender and complete trust in God.
The common thread in each of their stories is an encouragement to me. While some of these men and women failed miserably at some point, falling several times before standing firm in their faith, they finished their race well. It was not because of their excellence that they appear on the list of great men and women of God. It’s because, in the end, they chose to turn to God, obey his word and trust his promises, pressing on through their temporary shortcomings and circumstances.
God’s grace wiped out their failures and sin, and because they held on to their faith, he used them in mighty ways.
As I read these accounts, whether in history books or Scriptures, I am greatly encouraged to know that I serve a God who can make even the darkest moments of my life an important part of my success story. So long as I trust his promises and move forward by faith, he can use my past failures as teaching tools and testimony landmarks.
Jehovah is a God of comebacks. It’s good to remember that it’s never too late to finish well.
Patricia Holbrook is a columnist, author, blogger and international speaker. Visit her website www.soaringwithHim.com to learn about her speaking ministry, Bible studies and book. For speaking engagements and comments, email pholbrook@soaringwithHim.com
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