Day 39: Failure Isn’t the End
Read: Romans 8:8-17
In the tale of Pinocchio, we also learn the story of Geppetto, a poor woodworker who wishes to have a son. He makes a wooden marionette of a boy, and with a magic wish, it comes to life. Immediately, Geppetto treats the living puppet like his own son. Pinocchio’s dream was to become a real boy; for his wooden body to become flesh and bones.
Through the journey of becoming a real boy, Pinocchio learns to be truthful, obedient, and to prove his courage. But even though he wants to be the best “real boy” possible, he fails time and time again. Even though Pinocchio loved his father, he kept disobeying him. However, in the end, he sacrifices himself to save his dad and this act of love proved that he was ready to become a real boy.
We are children of the Heavenly Father, created by Him. And, like Pinocchio, we may try very hard to be the best we can possibly be. But, the truth is, we can’t do it on our own. The good news is that God, who loves us so much, chose to rescue us. If we believe in His sacrifice, and accept Him into our lives, we belong to Him. His Spirit comes to dwell within us, and we enjoy a secure position as His sons and daughters.
As long as we are in this world, we are going to be tempted. We will be fighting a war between the Spirit alive in us and our human nature, our selfish ways. Sometimes we will fall and make mistakes like Pinocchio. But, in each moment, we need to remember Who we belong to. Romans 8:16-17 says, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.”
We have a merciful Father Who has made us free from the strings of sin. We may be tempted, and we may fall, but we don’t stay there. Sin doesn’t control us. We learn, grow, and He gives us the strength to face another day. He conquered sin, and when we abide in Him, we can overcome.
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
When you fall into sin, don’t be discouraged. Remember, there is hope for us in Christ. He is not finished with us but is perfecting us for His glory. We may suffer the consequences of our sins, but we are not alone, God knows our struggles. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”