We see this magnificently portrayed in the life of Job. After enduring unthinkable adversity and suffering, Job seemed to respond well. He worshipped rather than cursed the Lord. However, as the book of Job continues and Job’s suffering lingers, he begins to insinuate that the Lord was not treating him as he should be treated. He even begs to call God on the carpet and demand of God an answer as to why He was allowing the suffering to continue. The Lord does come before Job and asks Job a few questions. Finally the Lord rebukes Job in chapter 40, verses 1-2: “Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said: Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it.”

Job is completely humbled by all of this. His pride proven to nothing more than vanity, Job answered, “Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth. Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further” (Job 40:3-5).

Job blew it! But he refused to stay there. He got back up and tried again. This seems to be the whole point of John 21. Peter denied the Lord Jesus three times but Christ appears to him and a few of the disciples and restores Peter.

The way to grow is to deal with our failures and take responsibility, and then desperately depend upon the Lord and His grace to continue. You will not grow by covering up and denying your failures. In fact, the most important things we have ever learned were not the result of success but failure.