When Isaac took on the family business, it was his shot at redemption. He’d failed in school, and this was his second chance. So what happened? He failed. Again. But Isaac’s story doesn’t stop there. His uncle helped him get a college education, where he did well. How well? Fast-forward to his full name: Isaac Newton—perhaps the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived. You probably know him for his theory of gravity.

This is Howard Butt Jr. of Laity Lodge with another respected theory. This one is about failure. You don’t have to get thunked by a falling object to know that failure can say more about the work than the worker … in the high calling of our daily work.

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”— James 1:12