I am afraid of failure
Just being honest.
I know that the really bold thing to say is that I am so excited about being innovative that I relish in the possible failure – at least it would be one more thing out of the way right?
But the truth is I am afraid of failure.
I am afraid of failing those I lead. (my wife, my children, my team)
I am afraid of failing those I follow.
I am afraid of failing those who look to me as a mentor.
But most of all I am afraid of failing God.
I know the right answers here.
Fear is not from God. Check.
Fear is not healthy. Check.
Fear paralyzes instead of pushing. Check.
I know there is nothing to fear but fear itself. But fear is pretty darn scary.
So there you have it – I am afraid. Are you?
What are we going to do about it?
Ask yourself why you’re afraid of failing God. His love is unconditional; even in failure.
A leader who says that he that he doesn’t fear failure at times is a little like the teenage boy who says that he doesn’t think about sex. He’s probably not telling the truth.
Am I afraid of failure. Sometimes, sure.
What should we do about it? Admitting it to each other is good. Talking to God about it is even better. Admitting our fear to God will allow Him to build our character in ways not possible if we just tried to tough it out.
King David experienced the paralyzing fear of men. What did he do? He went to his knees.
“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears… This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” (Psalm 34:4,6-7).
What are we going to do about it? Putting light on the issue, talking about it and encouraging each other is good. You’ve got the ball rolling.
Emulating the giant killer is a good idea too.
Shawn- your article reinforces a teaching I did last week on fear. I realized as I prepared fear can paralyze or empower. Love what you said about emulating the giant killer!
I don’t know that there is a perfect solution to fear. We are human and subject to human emotions. Fear is not a sin in and of itself but how we react when we fear can be. Do we choose to believe the truth of God’s word? Do we choose to trust His charactor? or do we continue in unbelief caused by fear?
You’ve brought up an issue that every human feels and deals with. As you say talking about it, encouraging one another are all parts of the solution. Bathing our souls in the truth of the word, spending time in God’s presence through prayer and worship are also parts. And then there is submission, or choosing to believe dispite our fear.