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:

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting in the Lord means safety.

What this means to me:

Being fearful and concerned of what others think can be a dangerous trap for me, but if I trust in the Lord I’ll be kept safe.

I’ve noticed that Satan’s favorite tool to diminish my faith is the fear of failure. It’s difficult to serve God and to be constantly worried about what other people think. I need to move forward. Today’s verse in Proverbs 29:25 says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (NIV).

What I’m learning is In order to eliminate a fear of failure, I need to redefine it. Afterall what is failure? Failure is not failing to reach your goal. Failure is not having a goal. Failure is not failing to hit your target. Failure is not having a target. Failure is not falling down. Failure is 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. Failure is failing to try.

Another way to get rid of the fear of failure is to never compare myself to anybody else. I’ll always find somebody who’s doing a better job, which discourages me. And, I’ll always find somebody who’s not doing as good a job as I am, and I become full of pride. Both of these views will mess up my life. Discouragement and pride keep me from serving God’s purpose for my life. In Galatians 6:4 it says, “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 two forms of pride, one of which is legitimate. The bad kind of pride is comparing: “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.” That’s the good kind of pride.

Ultimately when I get Heaven, God won’t say, “Why weren’t you more like so and so?” He’s going to say, “Why weren’t you who I made you to be?”

I can let go of my fear of failure, because anything I’m attempting for God in faith is a good thing, regardless of the results.

Today I will consider what ways I’m using my gifts and abilities to work toward goals.?