Redefining Failure

In review of Proverbs 29:25 it says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”

Bottom Line:

It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe.

What this means to me:

It is dangerous for me to be more concerned with what others think of me. This kind of thinking will trap and get me into trouble. Instead I am to put my full trust in the Lord who provides the ultimate form of safety. The enemy will use the “fear of failure” to diminish my faith, knowing that It is difficult for me to serve God and be constantly worried about what other’s think. I need to move beyond this. Proverbs 29:25 says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” (NIV)  In order for me to get rid of the “fear of failure”, I need to redefine what failure is. In terms of goals, I often think failure means not reaching it. But failure is not having a goal. Failure is not failing to hit your target, but rather not having a target. Failure is not falling down but rather refusing to get back up. I’m never a failure until I quit. So if I’m attempting something for the glory of God, that’s a good thing. Failure is not trying and not accomplishing anything but rather failing to try. Another way to get rid of the “fear of failure” is to eliminate comparison. I can always find someone who does a better job than me, which can discourage me. And likewise, I’m always going to find somebody who’s not doing as good a job as I am, making be become full of pride. Both discouragement and pride will keep me from serving God’s purpose for my life. The Bible says in Galatians 6:4, “Each of you must examine your own actions. Then you can be proud of your own accomplishments without comparing yourself to others.” (GW) There is a form of legitimate pride. The bad kind of pride is that of comparison: “I'm better than so and so!” The good kind of pride is, “God, I'm proud of what you’re doing in my family, my business, my life, my walk of faith.” God hasn’t called me to be the best person in the world.  Rather God has called me to be the best person I can possibly be given the gifts, talents, and experiences he has given me. Ultimately when I get to Heaven, God isn’t going to say to me, “Why weren’t you more like so and so?” No, He’s going to say, “Why weren’t you who I made you to be?” This verse is a good reminder for me to let go of my “fear of failure”, because anything I’m attempting for God in faith is a good thing, regardless of the results.  I need to consider what ways I’m using my gifts and abilities to work towards my goals.  I also need to consider what failures have kept me from pursuing goals and dreams.  God wants me to learn from my setbacks, so I won’t let them discourage me.