by Marlene Legaspi-Munar

http://www.febc.ph/stations/dzas/protips/index.html

Failures are actually opportunities for us to change and grow, and mistakes can be effective teachers. Given time and encouragement, we can all grow and be successfully used by God. Ganito ang nangyari kay John Mark, or Mark, na siyang sumulat ng Gospel of Mark. Mark’s life story is mentioned in Acts 12:25-13:13 and Acts 15:36-39. He is also mentioned in Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; and 1 Peter 5:13.

The early church gathered in his mother’s large house in Jerusalem, the same house kung saan nagprayer meeting ang mga believers when Peter was imprisoned under Herod Agrippa I. Mark became an assistant and traveling companion to the three of the greatest early missionaries, namely Barnabas, Paul and Peter. Dahil nakasama niya si Peter, he had the rare opportunity to observe closely the apostle, at mula sa kanya paulit-ulit din niyang narinig ang mga kuwento tungkol sa Panginoong Jesus. That’s why he was able to write the Gospel according to Mark, which is considered to be the first gospel written among the four.

But these accomplishments of Mark, or John Mark, are not often highlighted. Ang madalas nating maalala about Mark were his failures. According to some Bible scholars, he was probably the young man described in Mark 14:51-52 na tumakas nang hulihin si Jesus, tuloy naiwan niya ang kanyang balabal. Pero ang mas nakakahiyang karanasan ni Mark ay nang iwan niya sina Barnabas at Paul sa kanilang unang missionary journey. On their second missionary journey, Barnabas suggested that they take in Mark again as a companion but Paul refused. Dahil dito, nagkaroon ng mainit na pagtatalo sina Barnabas and Paul and that led to their separation. But Barnabas decided to take Mark under his wings. He stood beside the young Mark despite his failure. He encouraged Mark and eventually Mark learned from his mistakes. Later on, mababasa natin in Paul’s epistles, that Mark has become helpful to Paul, and that Peter considered him as a son.

What can we learn from Mark’s story? First, maturity often comes as a result of time and mistakes. You will mature if you will learn from your mistakes. Hindi rin natin mapupuwersa ang isang tao na magmature overnight. It takes time for a person to change and grow. Secondly, encouragement can change a person’s life. Hindi pinabayaan ni Barnabas si Mark. He trusted him and built him up until he was able and confident to minister again.

If you made a mistake, ask forgiveness from those people who were affected by your mistakes. Forgive yourself and learn from your mistakes. Look for someone who can encourage you and mentor you. If you have a “Barnabas” or an “encourager” take time to thank that person, and be an encourager yourself to others. Your encouragement can turn a person’s failure into success.