Failure does not have to be Final

Read 2 Samuel 12:15-31.

The first child of David and Bathsheba suffered and died.  The natural question is to ask "Why"?  From a human viewpoint this makes no sense.  Some would want to immediately blame God for striking the innocent or taking his anger against the parents on the child.  On this side of eternity we almost never truly know the reason why certain tragedies take place.  And, in eternity all our questions probably will not matter.

However, notice what took place spiritually and how God used this time of loss in the lives of those involved.

1. God used this loss to motivate the parents to repentance.
Until Nathan arrived in the first half of this chapter there had been no repentance of the multiple sins that took place.  As Psalm 51 explains, David could come before the LORD in prayer with confidence. (v.16)

2. God used this loss to deepen David's worship of who God is.
There was no anger or disappointment against the LORD; just an increased sense of dependence upon Him.(v.20)

3. God used this loss to affirm David's faith in eternal life.
With a personal relationship with the LORD comes the assurance that this life is not all there is.  Heaven awaits and there our loved ones who loved the LORD await as well. (v.23)

4. God used this loss to strengthen their marriage.
The relationship with each other began without any foundation other than lust and sin.  Once David was right with God, he could then be right with his wife.  He took the initiative to comfort her.  God gave them a second chance and a second child.  Solomon's name means "peaceful".  It finds its root in the Hebrew word "shalom".

Failure does not have to be final.  Use those times to strengthen relationships with God and others.