24. Learn From Mistakes

Key Bible Verses: Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.  (Proverbs 24:16)

One of the best ways to become a more proficient chess player is through your losses. Failing to learn from the games and positions you are exposed to sentences you to perpetual commission of these errors. (Peter Kurzdorfer) Forgetting what you have done will not help you improve in any way.

As a righteous follower of Christ, there are times when our thoughts and actions fall short of God’s expectations. When we fall, it is important that we get back up. An important key is to rely on God to help us discover where we went wrong; then, develop a plan of action in the event we face a similar situation in the future.

My Response: Lord, I realize that mistakes are inevitable. Help me get in the habit of learning from them.

Thought to Apply: We fall down, we get up. And the saints are just the sinners who fall down and get up.  (Bob Carlisle)

Just for Fun: Although this checkmate has nothing to do with the above, it is a fascinating finish. Notice that the black pawn is about to be pushed and promoted to a queen. White may as well give up. However, it is white’s turn. He moves his king to b7. Black of course promotes his pawn. Are you ready? Here it comes. Do you see it? White bishop moves to f8. Beautiful!