If you’ve ever had a child who has difficulty focusing and applying themselves in school, you’re not looking forward to a new school year, are you? In some respects, you’re hoping they turn over a new leaf and apply themselves. On the other hand, you’ve heard the positive talk before. This school year, maybe YOU need to change. Perhaps it’s time to let them fail? Maybe your 10th grader is counting on you to bail them out again. Sometimes failing is the best lesson. Malcolm Forbes says, “Failure is success if we learn from it.” Psalm 37:24 reads, “Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand” (ESV). Even in falling, God is there.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Suggested Reading: Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 37:24