Facing the Fear of Failure

“What are you afraid of?â€

Ask ten different people, and you are likely to get ten different answers! Our fears are very personal to us, depending on our past experiences. Still, one of the most common fears is the fear of failure.

In the Bible, Solomon also feared failure. He was called to follow in the footsteps of Israel’s greatest king, his father David. It was a daunting task, and Solomon felt inadequate and unprepared. When God appeared to Solomon in a dream, this is what the young king prayed: “Give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?†(1 Kings 3:9).

Solomon feared failure! He knew he needed God’s help, so he asked for a wise and discerning heart. Solomon’s prayer pleased God so much He gave Solomon not only wisdom but riches and honor as well.

Like Solomon, when we fear failure, we are invited to call out to God: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him†(James 1:5).

Knowing God will give you wisdom for whatever He asks you to do is the way to combat a fear of failure! You’re going to fail sometimes—even Solomon failed big time (1 Kings 11:1-13). But, if you know Jesus, you are secure in Him; He lived a perfect life and has covered all your failures (1 John 1:9–2:2). Lean on Him, the true source of wisdom (Colossians 3:16). • Laura N. Sweet

• Do you have a fear of failure? How does knowing you are secure in Christ affect that fear?

• In your own life, what are some situations where you need wisdom? Have you talked to Jesus about these situations?

• One of the ways God gives wisdom to His people is through wise counsel from other Christians (Proverbs 11:14; Galatians 6:1-2). Who is a trustworthy Christian you can talk with about questions you have?

Give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours? 1 Kings 3:9 (CSB)

Read Verses:

1 Kings 3:4-14; 1 John 1:9-2:2