Atychiphobia—”the fear of failure” is a real struggle for many people. In a time in history and a culture that seems less willing to allow people to fail, there is an expectation that everyone will say the right thing, do the right thing, and be successful in all endeavors. This brings about a battle for the mind and heart of people to go beyond their comfort zones to undertake new experiences with the hope of making new discoveries.
It is no wonder we see a languishing maturity in our communities and churches as the fear of failure penetrates our lives. What if I share my faith with my neighbor and they reject me? What if I share my testimony with the church and say something that is “not quite right”? What if I seek forgiveness and reconciliation from someone I have wronged, and they do not accept my apology? Our “what ifs” keep us from taking the step beyond our comfort zones, recognizing God’s call will take us away from our own abilities and place us in the space where we must trust in him.
In Psalm 145:14 we read, “The Lord supports all who fall down, straightens up all who are bent low” (CEB). The Lord recognizes we will fall or fail when we step out in faith to follow Jesus. Our awkwardness and potential mistakes may seem overwhelming to us, but we have confidence of God’s grace to pick us up, knock off the dust, and place us back on the Way. Maturity in the faith comes in our stepping beyond our comfort zones and when we fail, not giving up but diving deeper into Jesus.
Where is God calling you to step out of your comfort zones, but your fear of failure is keeping you from responding? Do you need to admit and surrender your atychiphobia to God to be set free from its power? I believe God will work in us to make us spiritually mature as we take the steps He has established for us. As we take those steps, we may fail, but God will not give up on us. God will use the experience to teach us and make us more mature as we grow in our love for God and love for others. When you fall or fail, remember God is there to pick you up.
Prayer: Lord, I don’t like to fail. I like everything I do to be perfect and successful. Forgive me for not always following you into the places and spaces that are uncomfortable for me. I surrender my fear to you and ask you to set me free. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.