Vitamin Fail

"I've never failed a test in my life."

My husband's eyes search for mine as we discuss our most recent shock: He hasn't passed a test for which he studied for months.

"I just don't know how to tell people," he continues, looking glum. "It's going to be really hard."

I mirror his grimace. I've been wondering the same thing. I run through a mental list of our family and friends - our three precious children included - who have been awaiting these test results, too. How will we break the news that Dad may take the same test, again?

They'll be devastated, I conclude. Just like Chris. Although we both know that in Christ, nothing can define Chris as a failure, the strength of this blow still stings. Future discussions with coworkers and friends will pose problems, for sure.

"I guess it's just a chance for God to get more glory," I mumble aloud. My hand reaches for his across our scuffed dining room table. I wish I sounded more sure.

How can we handle failure with grace? 

After thinking about this question for days, I realize the answer's right there -- in its very last phrase. With grace. We've nothing to offer others, after all, but the truth. Chris tried -- with all his might. It wasn't enough. And he failed. Others' response - whether or not it mirrors our understanding that a man's identity arises from God's achievements, not his -- must be met with the same grace that sustains us now.

Will they scowl? Hang their heads? Turn away? Say hurtful things? Most likely, yes. Still, our response must be laced with the grace we experience today. God gives. God saves. God loves. God defines. And in the end, pass or fail in any of life's countless trials, God is good. His identity -- more than any of our own successes, failures, or hurts -- gives us the ability to face all seasons with peace and yes, even joy.

Did he pass? No. But this changes nothing in the larger scheme of his life. My half-hearted first statement rings true: Chris's response to his failure provides a chance to put the focus on Christ. Failure may not be what we expected. But, like everything about life under the grace of God, it's a gift. A gift for which, even today, we give thanks.