On my 16th birthday, I burst into tears crying alone in my room because I thought I was a failure and hadn’t accomplished anything in my life. Now looking back, it seems ridiculous that I would feel that way at 16. However, the fear of failure can be a paralyzing force in our adult lives.
Most recently, the fear of failure was in full attack mode after the birth of my daughter. I recall lying in bed feeding my daughter and thinking this is all I’m ever going to do for the rest of my life. I’m just a human milk machine. I’m going to be trapped at home with my daughter and never do ministry again.
Fear and doubt are strong tools of the enemy. Those lies can imprison your mind and can prevent you from fulfilling God’s calling on your life. The enemy wants to paralyze you with fear and doubt so that you will no longer be an effective leader for God’s kingdom.
I fight the fear of failure by remembering God’s purpose is greater than my own. In Romans 8:28, we are reassured that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Furthermore, we must remember that God’s love is stronger than fear. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18 NIV)
It may not always be easy, but we must allow God’s love to set us free from our fears. I leave you with these lyrics to my song “Paralyzed” that I hope inspires you to break free. (Click below to hear)
Watching, waiting, hesitating
Feeling trapped inside
Stirring, breaking, love is waiting to cast fear aside
I no longer want to be paralyzed
Watching, waiting, hesitating
Feeling trapped inside
Stirring, breaking, love is waiting to cast fear aside
I no longer want to be paralyzed
