Don’t be afraid to fail. The word fail means “to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved.” (Webster Dictionary, 1828)
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1John 1:8
Since everyone fails, we shouldn’t be afraid of failure. As a matter of fact, we should realize we’ll make mistakes and seek to learn from them, rather than cowering from the fear of falling. The fear of blunder is the reason many people break down. Some don’t try at all, and some only halfheartedly try, because they’re afraid to fail. The thinking is, “If I don’t try, I won’t fail; therefore, I’ll succeed.”
Dr. R.B. Ouellette preached a sermon at our 2008 conference that really spoke to my heart in this area. He read a poem (see the conclusion of this blog for a copy of the poem) that I have read dozens of times in moments of discouragement. So often we do not see desired results and we feel that it is a sign from God that we need to stop, give in, or go another direction. I have known people to quit the ministry, quit a program, quit school, quit a diet, etc, just because they didn’t yet see what they were hoping to see. They became discouraged, and as a result, quit the very thing that God wanted them to do. A preacher once told me to make a list of things that inspire me. I followed his advice and made such a list. Some of the things on that list are particular Bible verses, Christian songs, poems, sermons, illustrations of God’s provision. David called this encouragement.
Don’t be afraid to fail, Be Encouraged
1Samuel 30:6, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”
This word encouraged means to fasten upon. I want to fasten my heart and mind on those things that cause me to connect to Him. You may feel like you have tried for a long time, but I want to encourage you to try again. You may have prayed a certain prayer and have not seen any success come from that prayer; I encourage you to pray again. You may have tried to stop smoking, or drinking, or listening to music that does not glorify God, just because you did not succeed, does not mean you should not seek freedom once again. I encourage you to endeavor again. I encourage you, “Don’t be afraid to fail.” Success comes from failures. I am not asking you to roll your sleeves up and work, I am asking you to go back to the work that God is doing in you to conform you to the image of His dear Son.
It is those who keep on going again and again who see success. Though success may seem to have forsaken you in some area of your life, I hope you will resist the fear of failure and rest in His work He is doing in you and through you.
Go Back To Work
When your converts break your heart
Go back to work
When your chapter falls apart
Go back to work
When RU is just no fun
And no challenges are done
And away you’d like to run
Go Back to work
When your student’s a crook
Go back to work
When your counsel group’s unkind
And your disciples rob you blind
And no peace or joy you find
Go back to work
When your church just doesn’t care
Go back to work
And no one your load will share
Go back to work
The burdens large have grown
And no love or grace you’re shown
And you think you’re all alone
Go back to work
Each day brings more bad news
Go back to work
When your spirit seems to break
Go back to work
When you stumble neath your cross
And your gain is turned to loss
And you’d like to say no mas
Go back to work
Souls are perishing each hour
Go back to work
God can save them
By His power
Go back to work
Faithful servants in their place still are strengthened by His grace
And by faith, we run the race
Go back to work
Harvest fields we still can reap
Go back to work
God’s commission we must keep
Go back to work
Labor is our calling now
Go back to work
Till all knees before Him bow
Go back to work
Rest comes on the other side
When we cross the swelling tide
Till in heaven, we abide
Go back to work!
Here are some other great resources on overcoming failure.
It Is Easier To Blame Others For Our Failed Responsibilities
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