Don’t Stop at Perceived Failure with Katy Nichole
Letting the Holy Spirit lead brings the unexpected
No doubt you’ve realized by now (no matter how long you’ve had a personal relationship with Jesus) that being a Christian is not a ticket to the easy life. You’ve probably encountered setbacks and failures. You may frequently find yourself struggling to achieve a goal, facing rejection or experiencing disappointment. But failure is not the end of the road. Instead, it can be an opportunity for growth, learning and perseverance.
Katy Nichole spent months writing and rewriting the song, “In Jesus Name,” trying to find the right version, but nothing seemed to work. She experienced anxiety and self-doubt, feeling like she would never be able to finish the song. But she didn’t give up. She continued to write and persevere, even in the face of what felt like failure.
In Philippians 3:13-14, the apostle Paul wrote the words: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (NIV). Paul wanted you to know the importance of perseverance. He recognized that failure was not the stopping point in the road but rather the moment to keep pressing on.
Katy said, “I spent many, many weeks writing about a hundred versions of that song that were not good.” She didn’t let the frustration of her previous attempts stop her from completing the song. She pushed forward, trusting God to guide to get it right – the way He wanted it.
When you persevere through trials, you grow in faith and character.
James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (NIV). Perseverance is not easy, but it is worth it. When you persevere through trials, you grow in faith and character and you can receive the reward that God has promised us.
Perseverance is not simply trying harder or pushing through in our own strength. It’s also necessary for you to rely on God and trust in His plan. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3 ESV).
Katy recognized the importance of relying on God in her journey of writing the song. She said, “I got up. Sat down at my piano, and I was like, Lord I don’t know why I’m here … I need you to speak something into me right now. And immediately I had it … I speak the name of Jesus over you.”
It was in that moment of surrender and reliance on God that the breakthrough came. The song practically wrote itself, and Katy knew that it was inspired by God.
In Isaiah 40:31, we are told, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” When you place your hope in the Lord and rely on Him, He will renew your strength and give you what you need to persevere.
Perseverance is a vital part of your faith journey. As a songwriter, Katy has learned that it takes perseverance, and it takes patience. She experienced seasons of dryness, where she couldn’t come up with anything. But Katy believes that God is the God of the breakthrough, and that He will come through for you if you just keep pressing on and keep being faithful in what He’s called you to do.
So, don’t give up – persevere in faith, knowing that God is with you every step of the way, and that He will give you the strength and wisdom you need to overcome.
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