Facing the Fear of Failure

READ: 1 KINGS 3:4-14; 1 JOHN 1:9–2:2

“What are you afraid of?” Ask ten different people, and you will likely get ten different answers! Our fears are very personal to us, depending on our past experiences. Still, one of the most common 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 not only gave Solomon wisdom, but riches and honor as well.

Like Solomon, when we fear failure, we are invited to call out to God. As James 1:5 says, “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.”

Knowing that God will give us wisdom for whatever He asks us to do is a great way to combat a fear of failure! We’re all going to fail sometimes—even Solomon failed (1 Kings 11:1-13). But, if we know Jesus, we are secure in Him. Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the grave—and in doing so He covered all our failures. So we can always lean on Him. He is faithful, not only to give us wisdom, but also to pick us up when we fall. • Laura N. Sweet

• Can you think of a time you were afraid of failure? How could remembering that we are secure in Christ help quiet those fears?

• In your own life, what are some situations where you need wisdom? Have you talked to Jesus about these situations? Consider taking some time to talk to Him now.

• One of the ways God gives wisdom to His people is through wise counsel from mature Christians (Proverbs 11:14; Galatians 6:1-2; Colossians 3:16; James 3:13-18). Who is a trustworthy Christian you can talk with about any questions or fears you have? (If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future.)

[Solomon said,] “So 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)