"A man's value is to be measured not so much by his successes, as by the way he handles his failures." (Paul Tournier quoting Dr Biot in Creative Suffering, p18)Startling statement. Indeed, how we pick ourselves up each time is a measure of our values. Tough, but that's life. Tougher still, is to look at the positive side each time something negative happens. Thankfully, we have a God who protects us, and promises to ensure we are not burdened beyond what we are able to handle.
Looking at the picture, actually, which smart-aleck in the first place has the right to say 'when your best is not good enough'? There is only one first prize. There is only one first position. Sometimes when we are most down, we forget that by being born, we are already first. A friend once told me that we ought to be proud as we represent the fastest/ablest sperm that fertilizes the egg inside our mother.
Perhaps it is more true that when one's best at that time is not up to the standard expectations, for a season at least. It is important to strengthen our "stick-to-it"-tiveness with a clear discerning and obedience to God's wisdom, rather than a cloudy amalgamation of arrogance and chauvinistic boastfulness that one will prove to others that one day, things will be completely different. For the Christian, the eschatological hope must be imagined and affirmed daily.
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Rev 7:16-17, NIV)
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