Don’t be afraid to fail

The word fail means “to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved.” (Webster Dictionary, 1828)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1John 1:8

Since everyone fails, we shouldn’t be afraid to fail. As a matter of fact, we should realize we’ll make mistakes and seek to learn from them, rather than cowering from the fear of failure. The fear of failure is the reason many people fail. Some don’t try at all, and some only halfheartedly try, because they’re afraid to fail. The thinking is, “If I don’t try, I won’t fail; therefore, I’ll succeed.”

Dr. R.B. Ouellette preached a sermon at our 2008 conference that really spoke to my heart in this area. He read a poem (see conclusion of this blog for copy of poem) that I have read dozens of times in moments of discouragement. So often we do not see desired results and we feel that it is a sign from God that we need to stop, give in, or go another direction. I have known people to quit the ministry, quit a program, quit school, quit a diet, etc, just because they didn’t yet see what they were hoping to see. They became discouraged, and as a result, quit the very thing that God wanted them to do. A preacher once told me to make a list of things that inspire me. I followed his advice and made such a list. Some of the things on that list are particular Bible verses, Christian songs, poems, sermons, illustrations of God’s provision. David called this encouragement.

1Samuel 30:6, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”

This word encouraged means to fasten upon. I want to fasten my heart and mind on those things that cause me to connect to Him. You may feel like you have tried for a long time, but I want to encourage you to try again. You may have prayed a certain prayer and have not seen any success come from that prayer; I encourage you to pray again. You may have tried to stop smoking, or drinking, or listening to music that does not glorify God, just because you did not succeed, does not mean you should not seek freedom once again. I encourage you to endeavor again. I am not asking you to roll your sleeves up and work, I am asking you to go back to the work that God is doing in you to conform you to the image of His dear Son.

It is those who keep on going again and again who see success. Though success may seem to have forsaken you in some area of your life, I hope you will resist the fear of failure and rest in His work He is doing in you and through you.

Go Back To Work

When your converts break your heart

Go back to work

When your chapter falls apart

Go back to work

When RU is just no fun

And no challenges are done

And away you’d like to run

Go Back to work

When you’re student’s a crook

Go back to work

When your counsel group’s unkind