Fear of Failure

One of the most powerful forces in our lives is fear - fear of pain, fear of loss and fear of failure. The most pressing concern is the fear of failure, because we feel we have never quite reached success. Even the people that are widely seen as "successful" are almost never content with their accomplishments and must strive for more. Why is that? What is this fear, and why does it cripple us? No, why do we allow it to cripple us?

I think the first thing to do before examining the effects of the fear of failure is to define failure. Most verbally equate "failure" with poverty or lack of popularity - but in our minds we connect failure with not doing the best we can. Failure is falling short of what we know we're capable of. How can we conquer this fear? Can we conquer this fear? I believe the answer is yes we can, and I think I found out how.

For the non-Christians, they will be dragged down and depressed by this fear for the remainder of their lives. For those of us who have committed our lives to Christ, we have an easy solution that is almost impossible for most to grasp: devote our lives to Christ. Many Christians will scoff, "I did that the moment I prayed the 'Sinner's Prayer.'" Giving lip service to Christ and actually following Him are two completely different paths which lead to completely different results. Those that have devoted their lives to Christ feel an overwhelming peace and a satisfaction that they are doing the very best they can with what they've been given. Each person has their own talents and gifts; it's up to God to let us know how to use them in the most fulfilling way. Note that I didn't use the phrase "most lucrative way" or "most praise-worthy way." I don't think money equals happiness, nor do I think that fame or praise brings you joy. Sure, it may bring temporary satisfaction, but then your human desire for more kicks in. You want more money, more fame, more fill-in-the-blank.

If we devote our lives to Christ and follow His leading in our lives, we will lead a fulfilling life. A life that is peaceful because we know He has a perfect plan for our lives. A life that is lucrative, because we know that He'll take care of us - and what is money without the security of knowing all your needs will be taken care of? If we devote our lives to Christ He will surprise us by taking us places we'd never dreamed of being. He will look at your measly plans and say "throw those out and follow Me." Devoting your life to Christ is so much easier said than done. It requires an impossible amount of self-control and servitude. Without the understanding that your life is for a much bigger purpose than your own pleasure you will constantly be questioning what God is doing, doubting his omniscience and sovereignty. Without devoting your life to Christ your life will be a miserable failure.