Helping Teens Face Failure Biblically (Failure Isn't Fatal or Final)

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The teen years are so short! Before you blink your kids will be grown and headed off on their own. I pray God takes my failures in godly parenting, combines them with His grace, and gives my kids all they need. Our teenagers will inevitably face failures. I want my teens to remember that God is faithful even through their failures. Failure is not fatal nor final. Let’s help our teens face failure by reminding them of God’s faithfulness and restoration.

Being a teenager is so exhilarating and so frustrating. One moment you are on top of the world, and the next you are in the depths of despair. Teens tend to experience high highs and low lows, but God can use it all as He conforms Christians (teens and adults) into the image of His Son Jesus.

teen on bed beside backpack, help your teenager face failure and grow

I pray all our kids seek and strive to do succeeds beyond their greatest expectations! But . . . That is not usually how life works. So, I want them to remember that failure is not fatal or final. Learn from mistakes. God can teach them and grow them through failures, both those that aren’t their fault and those they blame themselves for.

(BTW, although I am writing about things I want my teens to remember, this message is for you and me, too! We need grace. Though we often get frustrated with our faults and failures, God isn’t finished with us yet either.)

Peter learned a lot about failure. Jesus gave Him the privilege of some amazing experiences, but Peter was always saying things he shouldn’t at the worst moments.

In Mark 8:29, Peter boldly proclaimed Jesus was the Christ, but just a few verses later Peter had the audacity to rebuke Jesus. Jesus compared Peter to Satan because Peter was more concerned with man’s interests than God’s. (Mark 8:33)

Jesus chose Peter as one of His three closest disciple. He was privileged to see Jesus transfigured. Peter was so amazed, he didn’t know what to say. Instead of remaining in silent worship, he again said something dumb. Hey, let’s build some tents up here! Another thoughtless statement. Another rebuke. (Matthew 17:4-5)

Jesus called Peter to Him on the water. Peter was the only disciple with enough faith to get out of the boat, but then he began to sink. This time Peter did say the right thing though, “Lord, save me!”

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But then Peter denied Jesus after bragging that he was willing to die with Jesus. Jesus knew what would happen, and He also knew Peter’s inevitable failure would not be final. Even as He predicted Peter’s failure, Jesus spoke of Peter returning and encouraging the other disciples. (Luke 22:31-34)

As my teenagers face failure, I am praying that their faith will not fail. I know God is able to keep them strong in Him because He is faithful. I also know our flesh is weak. I want them to remember Peter and be encouraged when they fail. It is not the end. God forgives, restores, and uses sinners like Peter and like you and me.

Peter’s story was far from over. Soon after his biggest (though not his last) failure, he led over 3,000 people to Christ! Our teens need to know that God will use even our failures to make us more like Jesus.

Father, thank you that you are mindful that we are but dust. You are faithful even when we fail. Please keep our teens strong in their faith and desire to serve you. I pray their failures are small and only come with what pain they need to grow in You. Help our teenagers to seek you daily in all things, but especially when they face failure. Reminder them that they are Yours always. Like Peter, help our teenagers to immediately return to You and continue to be used for Your glory.

In Jesus name, amen.

As we seek to help our teenagers face failure, may we continually extend to them God’s grace and mercy.

This post about helping teenagers face failure is a part of a series of 30 Things I Want My Teens to Remember. Do you have teenagers or work in ministry with teenagers? Read more about more things I want my teens to remember below.

As my oldest kids began to reach graduation, I wondered more and more if I had taught them all they needed. Would they remember well the Biblical values of our family? Through these thoughts God led me to create the Remember Well Value System to help myself and other parents/ministers create an intentional plan for passing down their own Biblical values. Join my email list so you will be the first to know when it is available again to help you ensure your kids Remember Well.