I Need to Accept the Reality of Failure

In review of Ecclesiastes 7:20 it says, ”There is no one on earth who does what is right all the time and never makes a mistake” (GNT).

Today's passage is Ecclesiastes 7:20. It says, that there is not a single man in all the earth who is always good and never sins.

However in our culture, failure is almost the unpardonable sin. We idolize success. Unfortunately that kind of pressure creates major stress. It seems the fear of failure has many different faces. It can cause me to be indecisive, a workaholic, and a perfectionist who clings to safety. Because of being afraid to fail, I can also tend to shun all kinds of risks.

This fear of failure has an iron grip on the heart. Even some of the best and the brightest people in the world are the most impacted by a fear of failure.

Perhaps that is why Solomon provided this passage. Therefor I can internalize this one simple message: We’ve all made mistakes. It’s not just a “me problem”; it’s a human problem. The Bible says, “There is no one on earth who does what is right all the time and never makes a mistake” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 GNT).

Not only have I made mistakes in the past, but I’ll likely make more in the future. Its guaranteed. Even playing it safe and refusing to take risks is a mistake. So instead of asking, “What if I fail?” Know that I have already failed many times. Failure is normal.

I’ll never overcome my fear of failure until I fully accept the reality that I’m not perfect.

The Bible says there is only one failure I need to fear and it’s to: “Be careful that no one fails to receive God’s grace” (Hebrews 12:15 NCV).

I need grace. As a matter of fact, everyone else does as well.

Only when I let go of the fear of failure will it let go of its maddening grip on me. Once that happens, I can fully accept the grace of God.

Bottom Line:

No one in this world always does right

What this means to me:

I will never be able to always do what is right and not sin.

Father I know I will fail, but it is comforting to know that your grace is what saves me. My next step is to really learn from my failures, so that I don’t repeat them. This morning Father I pray for your continued wisdom and guidance to handle my life today. Help me to be loving in my responses and really care about people. Help me to lead well. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, Amen!