Overcoming the Fear of Failure

Medically, it is called “atychiphobia”. Many are gripped with this fear whether it is consciously known or unknown. As a Christian, the fear of failure implies that God doesn’t know what He is doing in your life or that He doesn’t have the power to fix it. Fearing failure demonstrates a lack of hope and faith in God.

The fear of failure can manifest in two opposite and extreme ends of the spectrum of human actions and decisions:

• Fear of failure can make someone reluctant to take any step of faith, any risky step, or accept responsibility because they are afraid of failure.

These are scriptures that tell us that we should not live in this type of fear of failure.

“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16a)

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28)

Moses thought he would fail in his God given assignment because he feared Pharoah and was not eloquent – he did not fail; Gideon thought he would fail because he was unqualified – he did not fail; Peter was an ordinary fisherman, and he could have failed but as long as he walked with God, he cannot fail.

If you will not take a step of faith or take any risk, you have already failed in doing nothing. You can deliver yourself from this fear of failure by breaking the jinx; taking that step of faith; give that offering; apply for that job or start that business etc. Whatever it is, it will all work together for your good as long as you are walking with God.

If you fail, you will rise up again.

• Fear of failure can also manifest as someone who keep running, chasing, doing etc., becoming like the Jones’s – all because they do not want to fail or have less than others etc. They generally compare themselves with others.

The bible says:

“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12)

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7)

It is the fear of failure that leads many to run, chase, be envious etc. of others when it is very unnecessary. God has a plan for you, and He has a plan for me. You fulfil yours and I fulfil mine. Paul puts it in a very succinct way to Timothy – “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” – we will do well to remember this.