Dotted all over my desk and planner are examples of failure. Many years ago scientists at 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing) were working at developing a new adhesive for commercial use. The initial results were positive, but in the end it was a failure. It was sticky but not sticky enough. There was no permanent holding ability. Just a small tug released the adhesive. What good is an adhesive that only holds a little bit? Somewhere along the line the question was asked what could this new adhesive be used for? After some further research the “sticky note” was born. This failed adhesive became a new product in all kinds of shapes and colors. Sometimes what seems a failure is just a stage along the way to a future success. In the life of faith there are moments when what we hoped for does not come to fruition in the way we anticipated, but God continues to work even in our failures to bring about blessings. We often learn more from our failures than from our successes. It would be good to let go of our fear of failure and venture out. Of course, we want to plan for the best result and avoid foolish pitfalls, but whatever happens we have the promise of God’s care. The words, “Be not afraid I am with you always” applies whether we succeed or fail. So rejoice in the successes and worry less about the failures. God is with us.