Practicing Faith Falls

Last month, my husband, Tim, accompanied our oldest daughter, Taylor, to Colorado to visit a Christian university. While they were there, friends vacationing nearby invited them for a day of skiing. Living in Hawaii for the past six years didn’t offer many opportunities to ski, so we pieced together winter gear, and off they went.

Although it was Taylor’s first time skiing, I wasn’t too worried. She’s athletic and follows instructions well, and I knew Tim would guide her carefully. I was eager for updates, and when Tim recapped their day later, one thing he shared struck me: they had practiced falling.

“You practiced falling?” I asked, eyebrows scrunched. Tim explained that since Taylor was bound to fall, he wanted her to know how to do it safely—falling toward the mountain to reduce impact and avoid injury. It got me thinking: what would it look like to practice falling in our Christian faith?

We don't want it to be true, but falling is inevitable.

Scripture assumes it: “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again” (Proverbs 24:16, ESV). Yet many of us try to avoid failure at all costs, striving for perfection. But what if instead of resisting the idea of falling, we prepared for it, trusting that God’s grace meets us in our weakness?

When we stumble, it’s an opportunity to reflect on what’s in our hearts. If we’re overwhelmed by disappointment, it might reveal a reliance on our own strength rather than God’s. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Failure can be a chance to depend on Him more fully.?

Sometimes anger over our mistakes points to perfectionistic tendencies. While growth in Christ is essential, we should never expect to reach a level of flawlessness this side of eternity. Instead, we can extend grace to ourselves, trusting God’s power to transform us over time.?

When I'm frustrated with my weakness, I try to remember a principle from my ministry training that is based on Dr. Henry Cloud's teaching:?

Grace plus truth over time equals growth (emphasis mine).

While instant coffee is a thing (I don't recommend it), instant perfection in the Christian faith is not attainable or desirable.?True growth takes patience and reliance on God, as He works in us steadily to shape us into the image of Christ.

Additionally, having a role model can make a big difference when it comes to practicing falling in our Christian faith. Just as Tim guided Taylor in learning how to fall, we can gain valuable insights from others who have walked with God longer than us. Hearing the struggles and lessons of Christians who’ve faced similar challenges helps us prepare for our own moments of falling.

How often do we think, If I ever find myself in that situation, I’ll remember her example and make sure I don’t do that! Mentors are everywhere—coaches, teachers, co-workers—and their influence is powerful. Scripture shows us this too: Barnabas mentored Paul, and Paul mentored Timothy, calling him “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2, NIV).

When we fall, a mentor can help us back up and point us to God’s grace.

Building a connection with a mentor doesn't have to be complicated; a simple, genuine conversation can open the door.

You could ask, “Can I buy you a cup of coffee? I’d love to hear more about the time you [fill in the blank].” Or, if you’re looking for a long-term mentoring relationship, try saying, “I really admire your walk with God because [elaborate]. I think I could learn a lot from you. Would you consider meeting with me regularly to help me grow in my Christian faith?”

Remember, perfection is not the goal; endurance and faithfulness are.

Tim and Taylor’s final ski run of the day illustrates endurance beautifully. It was their longest and most challenging descent, taking nearly an hour. Exhausted and with sore knees, they pushed through to the end. They were tired, but they were triumphant. This echoes Paul’s prayer for the believers in Colossae:

“We have not stopped praying for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy ...?”?

(Colossians 1:9–11).

Just like skiing requires endurance and preparation for falls, so does the Christian life. Practicing falling means shifting our mindset: not if we fall, but when we fall. It’s about learning to rely on God’s strength, extending grace to ourselves, and enduring in faith. It’s not about avoiding failure, but about rising again through His power.

As you face the challenges in your own life, remember that falling is part of the process. Instead of fearing it, rely on God’s grace to help you get back up. Keep going with endurance, trusting that He’s giving you the strength you need. And at the end of a hard day, take a moment to reflect and be thankful for how far He’s brought you—even through the struggles.