FEAR OF FAILURE
For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up.
Proverbs 24:16 (BSB)
Failure. Just hearing that word is rough. It can stir up all sorts of bad feelings, disappointments or shame. Whether failing a test, falling short of a goal, or messing up in a relationship, failure can make us feel like we’ve lost our worth or missed our calling. But here’s the truth: failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it.
People today struggle too much with perfection. We believe we don’t have to be perfect because Jesus was. This is freeing because it allows us to keep becoming more like Jesus, knowing that we’ll fall at times, but that He will change us! Failure reminds us of our need for grace. It humbles us. It strips away the illusion that we can do life on our own. And that’s actually a gift.
Today’s Scripture tells us that even the righteous fall—seven times, in fact. That’s not a sign of weakness, but a part of the journey. What sets the righteous apart is not their perfection, but their persistence. They get back up. God isn’t surprised by our failures. In fact, He often uses them to teach, shape and grow us.
Think about Peter. First, he sank while walking on water. Most people teach that as his failure, and to some degree, he did; however, he walked on water for a moment, and there were 11 other people who didn’t have the courage to get out of the boat. Peter denied Jesus three times—publicly and painfully. But Jesus didn’t write Peter off. Instead, after His resurrection, He restored Peter and gave him a critical role in the early Church. Peter’s failure wasn’t the end; it was a turning point. The enemy wants you to believe that failure disqualifies you. But God says it can prepare you. It can refine your character, deepen your dependence on Him, and give you a story that speaks of redemption.
So, get back up. Try again. Apologize. Rebuild. Rest in grace. God’s not finished with your story—and this chapter isn’t the last. Don’t play the game, afraid of failure. Play it free. God has forgiven us, so let's spend our lives trusting and loving Him no matter what happens!
APPLICATION: Don’t let a fear of failure keep you in the boat. Step out into whatever God is calling!
PRAYER: God, reveal to me my fear of failure. Help me embrace failure as part of the journey. I pray You’d give me confidence knowing You are with me always and turn my mistakes into victories. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?