Today I have been pondering the fear of failure. I don't know about you but this is something that I struggle with. The news alone lately is enough to strike fear into most of us, fear of the eccomony failing, fear of the failure of our government and leaders to make the best decions for our nation. The list could go on and on.
Not so long ago all these things would have had me anxious to say the least, but I've come to understand something...I can't live in fear and have faith at the same time. It's just not possible. Am I in fear of failing? Yes, however, I need to make the consious effort to let it go. I need to take hold of the fact that it doesn't matter if I fail...that's not to say this comes easy, but I will only truly fail if I stop trying in the first place.
It brought me to thinking about a few things. When Jonah feared failure in Nineveh and tried to run away...God didn't just say 'Oh well...time to find someone else to send.' We know that in the end Jonah overcame his fear and did go to Nineveh. The effects of their repentance was huge. God used this often faithless man dispite his shortcomings.
The time Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, he was fine until he took his eyes off Jesus.When Peter called out to Jesus for help, Jesus didn't say 'Oh well...looks like I need a new disciple.' He reached out His hand and saved Peter from the waves. He didn't turn his back, He didn't give up.
In so many ways I see Jonah and Peter in myself. There are times God calls me to 'go' or 'do'. But I let the fear of failure stop me. I think 'What if I don't have all the answers?', 'What if I'm not good enough?'
You know what, I don't have all the answers and I'll never be good enough but that should never stop me from doing what God leads me to do.
I won't live in fear of failure. Because I can do all things through Him that strengthens me.
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