Matt Emmons was considered the greatest rifleman in the United States about twenty years ago. He won gold medals in the Olympics and was at the top of his game when in 2004, something happened that would overshadow all his achievements.
He was competing in Greece and was favored to win. He was far ahead going into the last round when he pulled up his rifle, took a deep breath, squeezed the trigger, and put his final shot right in the middle of the bullseye.
There was just one problem—he shot at the wrong target. Instead of winning the gold medal that year, he finished eighth in the Olympics.
Emmons knew he was a great shooter, but the mistake haunted him. He dealt with overwhelming emotions of regret—so much so that he had to employ counselors to help him get past it.
One day, he was sitting in a pub trying to drown the pain when someone tapped him on the shoulder. It was a female shooter from another country, there with her dad. They sympathized with him and encouraged him in the most beautiful way. A special bond formed between the two shooters, and they ended up getting married three years later. He went on to win more medals, and now they have four kids together and a beautiful life.
Friends, failure doesn’t have to be final. We can create the best memories of our life post-problems if we’ll let God work in the midst of them!
King David understood this. After his devastating moral failure with Bathsheba and the consequences that followed, David emerged with renewed faith and wrote Psalm 32, a psalm that shows us what brings God’s blessing after bad seasons.
First, it’s our confession of sin. In verse 5, he writes, “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” When we honestly bring our failures before God without excuse or cover-up, we position ourselves for his forgiveness and freedom.
Second, it’s our commitment to faithfully follow God. Verses 6-7 continue: “Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” After failure, we must remain faithful to following God—when we do, He becomes our protection, allowing no trouble to drown us.
Third, it’s our receiving of God’s counsel. In verse 8, God says: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” When we humble ourselves to receive God’s direction, He personally guides us into a better future.
Your bad season doesn’t define your future—your response to God does! Let Him turn your pain into purpose and your failure into favor!
