The comeback stories of two titans

Achieving success may be a tough climb, making sure you stay on top of the game can be one nerve-wracking battle – but no exercise may be as torturous as picking yourself up and climbing again once you have fallen.

Failure is a bitter pill to swallow, regardless of its source. Although a newbie who is just starting out in his professional life may begin with virtually nothing, at least he has the benefit and the excitement of an open frontier ahead of him. On the other hand, the successful executive or manager who has reached a certain measure of success has the fallback of resources, allies, and the wisdom of experience to see him through.

Resurrection after a fall, though, can appear downright discouraging, at least from the beginning. Think about it: the blow to the ego after one has scaled the summit only to crash headlong into the pit. The doubts that follow after a depletion, both in material wealth, self-confidence, and probably, even relationships. The crushing fatigue that can just overwhelm one enough into throwing in the towel.

Not many people can make a comeback after a fall. That’s why those who do and get a second act are widely applauded – because despite the difficulties, they show it can be done.
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J.C. Penney - a tycoon's turning point

From Os Hillman's Today God Is First:
J.C. Penney is a name synonymous with department store. He first launched his chain of "The Golden Rule" stores in 1907. In 1910 his first wife died. Three years later, he incorporated as the J.C. Penney company. In 1923 his second wife died giving birth to his son. In 1929 the stock market crashed and he lost $40 million.
By 1932, he had to sell out to satisfy...creditors. This left [Penney] virtually broke. ...Crushed in spirit from his loss and his health suddenly failing, Penney wound up in a Battle Creek, Michigan sanitarium. One morning he heard the distant singing of employees who gathered to start the day with God: Be not dismayed, whate'er betide, God will take care of you.... Penney followed the music to its source and slipped into a back row. He left a short time later a changed man, his health and spirit renewed, and ready to start the long climb back at age fifty-six.
By 1951 there was a J.C. Penney store in every state, and for the first time sales surpassed $1 billion a year. [John Woodbridge, ed., More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 340-343.]

The success of J.C. Penney can be traced to God's mercy in his life to bring him out of his humble circumstance. Do you find yourself in a humble circumstance? God is the only one who can help you see your humble circumstance from His viewpoint-a high position. It is a high position because of what God is going to teach you in this place. He does not intend you to stay there; it is merely a stopping place to learn some important things you would not learn otherwise. Press into God and trust Him for the outcome to your circumstances."

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