Too often in life, we see failure as a waste – a waste of time, effort, and potential. We fear failure more than anything. But what if our fear of failure is actually keeping us from greatness?
Recently on The Joe Sikorra Show, Joe reflected on the ways in which our fear of failure can keep us from doing God’s will for us, especially when it comes to sharing our faith with others. Joe said:
“Do you think failure isn’t an option? There’s a good chance that if you think failure is not an option, you might not actually get out and try to do something. When people think that failure is not an option, usually they are less likely to try something new. Because if failure is not an option, you’re only going to do what is totally certain in your life. And life is adventurous. God has called you to a life of adventure – to take risk, to step out. And yet, so often you think you have no option. That you can’t do anything.
The obstacles that you encounter – the let downs, the failures – those are stepping stones to success. You’ve got to learn to bounce back from set-backs.
Failure is an option. You will fail, you will struggle. The question is, will you learn from that? So often we think there is only one way – it’s all or nothing. But you know what? If you try to live by your own efforts, independent of God, you are doomed to failure. Paul talks about this in Galatians.
Fear keeps you closed in, the fear of disappointing somebody else. You want to look good, you want everybody to like you. And because you need everybody to like you, you’re not going to take a chance, go out on a limb, try something new, or speak about your faith. Because they might not like it. But when you do that, you disappoint God.
God is looking at you and He’s asking if you are afraid of what they are going to say about you. Are you just playing it safe? Because He doesn’t need anybody to just play it safe. He needs you to risk, He needs you to take a chance, He needs you to stand up.
Your faith will challenge your idea about appearances. But God sees behind the appearances. You might think you need to look good in front of people, self-assured, confident. God looks at the heart. And He says that if you are honest in the small things, you’re going to be honest in the big things.
Jesus blasted the Pharisees. Why? They were money-obsessed, and they rolled their eyes at Jesus. They were masters at making themselves look good in front of other people, but God sees behind the appearances. They thought they were holy, strong, and knew it all. But it was a mask, and Jesus saw it.
Are you acting tough? Where in your life are you afraid but unwilling to admit it? God doesn’t force Himself on you. He calls you to live in freedom. But sometimes admitting weakness, your need for God, your need for other people, is exactly what you need to do.”
Listen to the full reflection below:
The Joe Sikorra Show airs weekdays from 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. Eastern/7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Pacific on Relevant Radio®.
