By Rev. Gian Carlo Villatoro
Founding Pastor, Victory Church Odessa
Gian, tell me: Is it true that failure is part of success?
Collin S.
Dear Collin:
Many inventors would agree with that sentiment. Many entrepreneurs would, too. Many musicians will tell you that sometimes coming up with a song requires more versions that they can count. Artists and writers might concur with that as well.
But the words of the Lord Jesus, in John 15, when He speaks about the vine and the branches, gives me the opportunity to bring peace to anyone who could be thinking: “This is horrible! I don’t like the idea of failing in order to be successful!”
In John 15.1-5, Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. He also trims every branch that produces fruit to prepare it to produce even more. You have already been prepared to produce more fruit by the teaching I have given you. Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything.”
You, as a believer, can count on that reassurance. Either you will see how some things simply don’t work in your life, or how through the “corrections” life presents you, the good Lord will prune you or your projects. You can trust in the Lord that He will guide you and bless you to be fruitful and have success in the things that you do in your personal or professional life. But also, because of how much He loves you, from time to time you will see that some things simply don’t work, and, although someone could call it “another failure,” in reality is just part of the processes in life where things keep evolving and changing.
The important thing is to not be afraid. Trust in the Lord. Do what you are called to do, the best way you can. In simple terms, on your way to Dallas from Odessa, not always do you make that trip without stops or changing the route, but you will arrive.
Feel free to email your question to [email protected] or call 432-614-9798 if you prefer.
