Babe Ruth, the man who hit 714 career home runs across 22 major league seasons, captivated baseball fans with his legendary talent and larger-than-life personality. To this day, baseball analysts regard Ruth as the best ballplayer the world has ever seen.

But this is only part of his story.

Even as he hit record-breaking home runs and won World Series titles, Ruth developed a reputation as baseball’s strikeout king. When reporters questioned him on this identity, he said, “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”

As I think about my typical response to failure, I realize I have a lot to learn from “The Sultan of Swat.” Instead of allowing my failures to get the best of me, I want to fix my eyes on the road ahead. And I want to use my shortcomings to learn and grow.

What about you? Are you wrestling with failure today?

Whether you’re searching for steady employment, struggling to support your family or trying to repair a broken relationship, you can follow Ruth’s lead and focus on your next big breakthrough. And you can turn to God’s Word for peace and assurance.

These five Bible verses will get you started:

2 Corinthians 12:9 (GNTD)

“My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.”

Philippians 3:13b (GNTD)

“The one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.”

Ephesians 3:12 (GNTD)

In union with Christ and through our faith in him we have the boldness to go into God's presence with all confidence.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (GNTD)

The LORD’s unfailing love and mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise.

2 Thessalonians 3:16a (GNTD)

May the Lord himself, who is our source of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way.