Recently I have been doing a book study on The Search for Significance by Robert McGee. This has been such a wonderful eye opening study into learning about my true worth. Through this study, I have learned that I have a fear of failure which can lead several different effects; perfectionism, pride, depression, low motivation, anger and resentment, avoidance of risks, and several others. Some of you might have read my recent post about “To Do lists.” In that post I talk about my tendency to withdrawal when I do not feel like I have made enough progress on my never ending to do list. Through some serious reflection, I have come to realize that my fear of failure is causing my withdrawal or avoidance of risks. When I am not making adequate progress on my to do list, I withdrawal. I can vividly remember failing at something and never attempting to do it again or being hesitant to even attempt something similar. In realizing this, I felt I needed some guidance as to what God’s word says about failure. In my reading, I came across the story of Saul in 1 Samuel. Saul was God’s chosen King, but when the Israelites assembled to choose their king, Saul hid. (1 Samuel 10: 20-21) My first thought is “what in the world? If God chose me to be king (or Queen in my case),  I sure wouldn’t hide. I mean if God chooses you to do something, you are obviously capable, right?”  Uh oh…(more thinking and pondering) Are there things God has chosen me to do and I have been too afraid to even try? YES. There are several things in my life I am purposefully putting off because I am afraid of failing or rejection. So Saul, I completely understand why you hid. But there is some good news. We are created in God’s image. He has given us strengths to use for His purpose, but He has also given us weaknesses. Our strengths make us functional for His purposes, but our weaknesses remind us that we need help and cannot accomplish things alone.  So it is time for me to kick my fear of failure and avoidance of risks. I have the greatest ally on my side, and He will help me overcome my failures and yours too. Just read a few stories in the bible and you will repeatedly see God using all types of people to accomplish His will. His work is certainly not limited by human failures.

Gracious Father,

I come to you today to thank you for my weaknesses and struggles. Thank you for directing me to book study to help me see my fear of failure is keeping me from becoming fully who you have created me to be. Lord, please help me in my areas of weakness for I know I cannot overcome any of them without You.

In your son’s name,

Amen