Gold Nugget
Verse 16: “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.”
Commentary
Many have heard the story of how our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, had many failures in his career, both public and private. Although it makes for good emails and inspirational media, Abraham Lincoln is one of the most beloved and respected presidents in US History. His stance against immoral actions and policies is renowned. Although somewhat familiar to many, I have included a few of these so-called “failures” for the sake of discussion.
1831: Lost His Job
1832: Ran for state legislature - lost.
1832: Wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.
1833: Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.
1836: Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.
1838: Sought to become speaker of the state legislature -defeated.
1840: Sought to become elector - defeated.
1843: Ran for Congress - lost.
1849: Sought the job of land officer in his home state -rejected.
1854: Ran for Senate of the United States - lost.
1856: Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – did not get enough votes.
1858: Ran for U.S. Senate again - lost.
In 1860 he successfully ran for president of the United States of America. Although the validity of some of these instances leaves room for debate, much of them are undisputed. What is also undisputed is the determination and passion he had for his duty and his country. Today’s “gold nugget” reminds us that, “a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.” I refuse to allow my failures to prevent me from pressing on.
What have you resolved to change in your life that fear of failure has prevented you from trying again? It’s time to try to quit smoking again. This time, I think you can do it. It’s time to try to quit drinking again. This time, I think you can do it. It’s time to try to quit cussing, cheating, etc. -again. This time, I think you can do it. It’s time to start praying again. This time, I think you can do it. It’s time to start reading your bible again. This time, I think you can do it. It’s time to start going to church again. This Sunday, I think you can do it.
Prayer
Lord, I know I have failed you on many occasions. I have failed my family, my church and myself. I will not fail to try again. I want to be the righteous man that will rise again and agin. I have resolved to serve you for the rest of my life. Amen
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