If You’ve Ever Felt Like You’re Failing, Read This
Grace for ourselves, strength for change
It’s early morning and you hit snooze when you told yourself you would wake up early to pray. It’s the middle of the day and there you are losing patience when you said you wouldn’t let the stress provoke you. You walk past a pile of unfolded laundry as you rush to make dinner when you said you would be more intentional in your homemaking.
Then a thought creeps into your mind: “Why do I keep failing… I said I would do better…”
But as wives, mothers, and homemakers, we tend to hold a high standard for ourselves. Then we feel defeated when we fall short—we may even feel like we are disappointing our families and God. But sister, falling isn’t failing unless we refuse to get back up.
Human error is bound to occur, give yourself grace but do not take it as permission to stay stagnant. The enemy wants to trap us in shame, to make us afraid to keep trying. It wants to make us believe that perfection is the only way.
But then there is God’s way—the right and true way. He calls us to forgive ourselves and press on. His mercy and grace is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). But his Word also reminds us that having faith alone is not enough. We must also act upon our faith (James 2:26). The change that you yearn and the path that God wants for you only happens when grace and discipline walk hand in hand. It starts with Him and continues through you.
Biblical Reflection
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
-Isaiah 43:18-19
God does not hold your past, your mistakes, your errors, over your head. So why are you? He desires goodness for you. He makes a way for you. For you to see it and act upon it is for you to draw closer to Him each day and continue to renew your habits in His example. **To be a good wife, or a good mother, or a good homemaker is to be a good daughter of God.
Balancing Forgiveness & Growth
1. Recognize & Repent, But Don't Dwell
Sister, if the bad habit has returned or you failed on something you intended to do, acknowledge it but do not let it send you on a spiral. Take a moment to direct your attention to God, repent and surrender to Him—not your errors. Then, move with intention and kindness to yourself.
2. Speak to Yourself as God Speaks to You
I need you to think about how you have been speaking to yourself. Has your internal dialogue been full of self-criticism and hate? Even your Father in heaven does not shame or condemn His children (aka you) in such a way when errors happen. You must replace those thoughts with Scripture. I want you to write these down and stick them on your mirror. Read them at least once when you glance at them. This is just the start.
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14)
"His power is made perfect in my weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
3. Make Small, Tangible Changes
You have been given an invitation to start again differently, and forgiveness gave it to you. Do not use it as an excuse to remain unchanging.
Could your prayer life be better? Set a 5-minute timer for a good time in your schedule to pray sincerely.
Are your home duties being neglected? Take the main task, break it down, and spread it over the days.
Has your patience been running thin with your loved ones? Practice something you can do mid-argument to breathe before reacting. Maybe you glance at your lock screen that has a note or scripture. Or maybe you close your eyes and clasp your hands to break the anger momentum. Whatever it is you need!
Progress, not perfection, is what God asks of us. And if you fail, do whatever you can to start—do not postpone when you have the opportunity to make it happen.
Recipe of the Week: Warm Cinnamon Honey Oatmeal
A comforting and nourishing breakfast—perfect for mornings when you need to remind yourself to slow down and start again with grace.
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
2 cups milk (or water)
1 tbsp honey
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)
1 tbsp raisins or sliced bananas (optional)
Instructions:
Bring milk (or water) to a boil. Stir in oats and reduce to a simmer.
Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and mix in honey, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Top with walnuts and fruit. Serve warm and enjoy!
Prayer for Self-Forgiveness & Change
"Father, I come before You burdened by my own shortcomings. I have stumbled, and I feel the weight of my own expectations. But Lord, You remind me that Your mercies are new each morning. Help me to extend to myself the same grace that You so freely give. Strengthen me to not only seek change but to walk in it. Guide my steps, transform my habits, and help me become the wife, mother, and woman You’ve called me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
Favorite of the Week
My favorite tortilla chips are from MASA Chips. They contain simple, whole ingredients - 100% grass-fed beef tallow, sea salt, and organic corn.
MASA is very intentional about how they make their chips. I love eating them with guac, nachos, or even using them as a coating for homemade chicken nuggets!
I’m so excited that they gave me a 20% off code to give to you! Feel free to click the button below and get your all-natural chips that won’t make you feel bloated afterwards!
Poll Time
Remember,
Sisters, your worth is not measured by how perfectly you perform, but by how faithfully you seek the Lord. Mistakes will happen. You will have days that don’t go as planned but every moment is a chance to repent, surrender, and continue.
So today, accept God’s forgiveness, be kind to yourself, and move forward.
With love and encouragement,
Young Homemakers Club