Do you ever feel like a failure? Like no matter how hard you try, you’re always insufficient or falling short? Like you’re a disappointment to everyone, especially to God?

When I was a child, my dad said to me, “You never were much of a daughter to me.” Though later in life he did say that wasn’t what he meant and I forgave him, the words still engraved themselves in my heart. I didn’t realize it at first, but I applied it to every role I have ever played in life – wife, mom, grandma, sister, friend, teacher, writer, etc.

When I don’t meet the expectations of others, including myself, I think I have failed. When what I say or do doesn’t make someone feel better, I think have failed. When I start a project and don’t finish it, I think I have failed.

But what I often forget is that those “I’m a failure” thoughts are lies. Even when I do fail at something, that doesn’t mean I’m a failure as a person. It just means I’m learning an important lesson.

Remember that failure is an event, not a person. ~ Zig Ziglar

Most importantly, Jesus’ love is unconditional. It doesn’t depend on what we do or don’t do right or perfectly. It depends on what He has done for us!

“For by a single offering He has forever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy.” (Hebrews 10:14 AMP)

“Holy God, I am Your child – loved, cherished, sought after, justified by Your own sacrifice. I want to live my life as a person adopted and loved by God. Life gets messy, though, and sometimes I don’t do that. Forgive me for trusting other people more than You to define myself. Help me to hear You even when life is very loud. Help me to listen and live according to Your truth. Amen.”      (Prayer from The Search for Significance Devotional Journal: A 60-day Journey to Discovering Your True Worth)