Breaking free from the fear of failure

Fear of failure, fear of making a mistake, fear of rejection, fear of what others will think. All of these fears are what keeps us back from the increase. 

Let's face it, no one wants to make a mistake or purposefully sets out to fail. Personally, I hate making mistakes. The thought of doing something wrong literally leaves a knot in my stomach.

My biggest fear is letting down those I love the most. The thought of my actions leading to someone else's pain causes me great anxiety. Having any kind of influence as a leader holds me to a higher standard which increases my anxiety and the pressure to not make a mistake!  In some ways this is good as it keeps some safe guards around my decision making. In other ways, it's not so good as it can keep me locked in a bondage God is trying to release me off. 

I'm so desiring the freedom that comes when one is no longer bound by the fears of not being good enough, making a mistake, looking foolish, or the fear of man.  Someone I was counseling  in their desperate need for freedom said to me, "I'm not fully living my life when I'm so bound by fear”.  It's true!!  To fully live in freedom, fear can't be present! 

One thing I'm learning as I, myself, am breaking free from fear is that trust is built in the failure. The very thing I am afraid of is what God will use to build my trust! My trust in His faithfulness to see me through it. My trust in Him to love me regardless of my failures. My trust in those around me to not reject me when I fail and that those relationships become stronger because I can trust them not to throw me away and they can trust me to become stronger and healthier as I am growing. We all need this in our lives. It is vital for us to grow.

Failing is a part of life and, unfortunately, most of us have been deeply rejected or ridiculed when we failed. This leaves a deep wound that almost seems unrepairable at times. 

I think of Peter and Jesus. What a beautiful picture of not only what God does for us when we fail but what it looks like to have healthy friendships surround us when we fail. 

My prayer for us all is that we will not be bound by fear. That, when we make a mistake, we will not shrink back but instead allow our trust in God and in others to grow. I pray that we heal from the past traumas of the rejection of others. I pray we have Jesus and Peter moments that launch us into our destiny.  

“Do you love me?” Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Then notice me healing your brokenness.

“Do you love me?” Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Then feel my love binding us together.

Do you love me?” Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Then go out and serve in my name.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2

Corinthians 12:9

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24 ESV

For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

Proverbs 24:16