Failure! It is not something we like to think about and something we do not want to experience in our life. But whether we like it or not, it visits all of us at some time or another. We hate it when we attempt a project, and we are not successful. Failure can cause embarrassment, anger, anxiety and erode self-esteem. Unfortunately, we cannot always protect ourselves from failure.
In the Book of Acts we meet a young man, John Mark by name who came from a praying family and there were probably great expectations for him in ministry. When Peter was released from prison, he chose to go to the house of prayer before he went to his house. Acts 12:12 NLT says, “When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer.”
As time went by, John Mark’s cousin, Barnabas, was involved in ministry and he took John Mark on a missionary journey. Verse 25 says, “When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, taking John Mark with them.” The scholars believe that he was a young man of about fifteen or sixteen years old. He must have been excited, but he was not prepared for the life of a missionary at that tender age. Acts 13:13 says, “Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem.” He was not successful on this mission. Sometime later, Barnabus wanted to take him on the mission field again, but Paul disagreed. The dispute was so severe that they separated.
Later, while Paul was in prison, John Mark came to him and was a support to him in that season of ministry. Again, the scholars believe that he was about thirty years old at that time. He was no longer the immature teenager but stood with Paul and served him well. In Colossians 4:10 AMP Paul said, “Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, wishes to be remembered to you; as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him).” Failure is not always fatal.
Thought for Today: Friend, maturity is needed in ministry.
Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.
Victory Walk 