Grace after failure

*This devo goes along with our sermon series Faith - A Journey through Doubt, which can be watched here

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.”

Saul didn’t just doubt God — he actively opposed Him. He persecuted Christians, approving their execution. And yet, after encountering Jesus, his life was radically transformed. He became Paul, one of the most impactful leaders in church history.

God uses failures. Why? Because there’s no one else to use. All of us have failed. But failure doesn’t disqualify us. In fact, it can prepare us for greater purpose — if we surrender it to God.

Pastor Cory reminded us that God redeems what we think disqualifies us. He doesn’t ignore our past; He transforms it. Paul remembered his failures, but he didn’t live in them. Instead, he said, “By the grace of God, I am what I am.”

What matters most is not where you’ve been, but where God is taking you. Don’t let shame hold you back. If God can use a man who hunted down believers, He can use you — not in spite of your past, but through it.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for forgiving my failures. Help me to accept Your grace and walk forward in freedom. Use even my brokenness to bring You glory. Amen.

Small Group Discussion Guide