Mark met Peter the youth servant. Mark was depressed as the time of the exams approach.

“I didn’t neglect my study but I used to stay all the night studying.”

“Why are you worried?”

“I feel I’d forgot all what I have studied throughout the whole year.”

”It’s a mere fancy, as when you read the exam paper you’ll remember the answer and regain your self-confidence.”

“I don’t think so; I don’t remember even the main titles of every subject.”

“Don’t be afraid, as fear confuses man and it is reflected on the answer sheet.”

 “How not to fear?”

“Through trusting God Who gave you studying as a talent. Since you had been honestly watching, you deserve to hear the Divine Voice,

“You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.””

“I fear failure.”

“God has given us the spirit of success not that of failure. Remember that success is a Divine gift to the faithful even the unbelievers. However, He gives a great success to those who fear Him:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in thecounsel of the ungodly ... And whatever he does shall prosper”

(Ps. 1).

“The God of heaven Himself will prosper us” (Neh. 2.20).

Then Peter told Mark the following story to show him how God is able to turn what can be considered failure into success.

A believer traveled to the African tribes to preach the Gospel there. He accompanied his preaching with deep prayers. After a short time, he gave up his soul while praying. The only outcome of his ministry was that an old lady accepted the faith. Many considered him unsuccessful in his ministry. However, a believer wrote a booklet about that minister and dedicated it to,

“An atheist woman who believed”.

Such booklet led thirteen thousand souls to the faith in Christ. He seemed to be an unsuccessful minister who only led one soul to the faith. Nevertheless, God has used his biography to attract thousands of people. God prospers us in His time.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: نجاح بدون فشل.

 I am pleased with success for, it is a gift from You.

As I am in Your hands, failure will never reach me.

Even if people saw me unsuccessful,

Even if I entertained doubts,

You are the Secret behind my prosperity.

 With You, I am always victorious,

Until I hear Your pleasant voice,

“You were faithful over a few things,

I will make you ruler over many things.”

Your Love erased the word ‘failure’ from my memory.

It no longer has a meaning in my daily experience.

You are the Secret behind my success.

Long No One Like God

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

A Photo or a Force