Thomas Edison conducted thousands of experiments with various kinds of materials in his search for a filament he could use in carbon incandescent lamps. As each fibre failed, he would throw it out the window until, eventually, his pile of failures stretched all the way up to the second storey of his house. Then about thirteen months after his first failure, he succeeded in finding a filament that could stand the stress of electric current. And here is how it happened: he nonchalantly picked up a tad of lampblack, mixed it with tar, rolled it into a delicate thread, and wondered, ‘Why not try a carbonised filter?’ He worked for five hours straight to craft a fibre, but it broke into two pieces before he detached the mould. He used up two spools of cotton thread before developing a perfect strand, only to damage it when he attempted to put it inside the glass tube. He stayed awake for two days and nights before he succeeded in slipping one of the carbonised threads into a vacuum-sealed bulb. Then, turning on the current, he observed the glow of electric light that we now take for granted. A failure doesn’t need to suggest the end; it can mean you’re one step closer to the triumph you desire. If something you have attempted has failed, try again. Consider a new perspective. Allow time for an idea to sit and simmer. Take notes. Never give up the goals and dreams you believe in. God is with you through the detours and delays (see Hebrews 13:5-6). When you make determination your friend, patience your servant, and God your partner – you will succeed!

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.