2 Timothy 1:7, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

The fear of failure is the apprehension of living for God because you think you will always fail.  The fear of failure is closely related to the sin of rebellion and pride because when a person has this fear they generally refuse to be obedient to God’s commands and have a higher view of their weaknesses then God’s power.

Fear is the exact opposite of faith.  Faith is a trust in what God said and fear is a trust in what you think.  Faith makes a person stronger and enables them to do things they never would be able to do.  Fear paralyzes people and keeps them from doing what God said they could do.  Faith conquers fear and fear nullifies faith.  Thus, you can only live with one at a time.  You will either choose to live by your thoughts that produce fear or by Word of God which produces faith, Romans 10:17.

Paul in the above passage boldly taught that when you were born again you received the Spirit of God- not a spirit of timidity (fear).  Therefore, by the indwelling of the person of the Holy Spirit you have been given all the power, love, and self-discipline you will ever need.

First, the Holy Spirit gives you the power to overcome sin, human limitations, and all the inner fears you may have.  Second, the Spirit gives you love to have a deep and personal assurance that God cares for you and will never leave you nor forsake you. Lastly, self-discipline is given by the Holy Spirit to conquer all your bad habits and “stinking thinking” to be all that God called you to be!

As a result, don’t let your fears of failure keep you from serving God, instead be filled with the Holy Spirit!  Pray this out loud, “Holy Spirit I ask you in the name of Jesus to remove all fear from life and fill me with your power, love, and self-discipline. I believe I can do what you said I can you do! Amen.”

Reflection

Have you ever had the fear of failure that resulted in your disobedience?

Action

  1. Repent of the times you have had the fear of failure.
  2. Ask God to fill you with His power, love, and self-discipline.
  3. Believe what God said in His Word, do what He commanded, and live free from fear!