Failure

Scripture indicates various ways in which believers may fail God, while emphasising that God will never fail his people.

God will never fail his people

1 Chronicles 28:20 See also Joshua 1:8–9; Psalm 89:28

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.

God's righteousness will not fail

Isaiah 51:6

God's compassion will not fail

Lamentations 3:22–23

Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

God's word will not fail

Isaiah 55:10–11 See also Romans 9:6

For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

Examples of failing God

Failing to abide in him

Psalm 14:3 See also Psalm 58:3, Psalm 78:57; Jeremiah 2:19, Jeremiah 3:22, Jeremiah 15:6; John 15:6; 2 Peter 3:17

All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

Failing to believe in him

John 20:27 See also Numbers 14:11–12; Psalm 78:21–33; Hebrews 3:12

Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Failing to fear him

Genesis 20:11 See also Exodus 9:30; Deuteronomy 25:18; Job 6:14; Luke 23:40

Abraham replied, “I thought to myself, ‘Surely there is no fear of God in this place. They will kill me on account of my wife.’

Failing to honour him

Malachi 2:2 See also Numbers 20:12; 1 Samuel 2:29–30; Daniel 5:22–23; Romans 2:23

If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to honor My name,” says the LORD of Hosts, “I will send a curse among you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already begun to curse them, because you are not taking it to heart.

Failing to love him

1 Corinthians 16:22 See also Joshua 23:10–13; Matthew 10:37; Revelation 2:4

If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!

Failing to obey him

2 Kings 17:14–20; Matthew 7:26

Failing to remember him

Deuteronomy 8:11, Deuteronomy 32:18 See also Judges 3:7, Judges 8:33–34; 1 Samuel 12:9; Psalm 78:11, Psalm 106:21; Isaiah 17:10

Be careful not to forget the LORD your God by failing to keep His commandments and ordinances and statutes, which I am giving you this day.

You ignored the Rock who brought you forth; you forgot the God who gave you birth.

Failing to seek him

2 Chronicles 12:14 See also Psalm 14:2–3, Psalm 119:155; Isaiah 9:13; Zephaniah 1:6

And Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD.

Failing to serve him

Deuteronomy 28:47–48 See also Job 21:14–15; Jeremiah 2:20; Malachi 3:14; Romans 1:25

Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart in all your abundance, you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you.

Failing to trust him

Matthew 6:30 parallel Luke 12:28 See also Matthew 14:31, Matthew 16:8, Matthew 17:17–20

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Peter's failure of Jesus Christ

Matthew 26:33–35 parallel Mark 14:29–31; Luke 22:31–34; John 18:25–27