How to Face your Fear of Failure

Guiding Question:
Where is the fear of failure holding you back—and what does real success look like in God’s eyes?

Summary:
Robert Lewis unpacks the paralyzing effect of the fear of failure and how it can quietly dominate and define our lives. He opens with a dramatized workplace scenario and a personal story about the film Jaws to illustrate how fear—especially the fear of failing—can sabotage even our noblest ambitions, opportunities, and God-given callings.

Using the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), Robert shows that the servant who buried his talent did so out of fear. That fear led to lost opportunities, diminished personal growth, and ultimately, loss of what he had. The message is clear: a fear-driven life doesn’t stay static—it shrinks.

Robert identifies five key sources that stir the fear of failure:

1. Personal pessimism – underestimating God and overestimating our limitations.

2. Exaggerated observations – seeing challenges through the distorting lens of fear.

3. Concern over others' opinions – fearing how we’re perceived more than what God desires.

4. Overwhelming obstacles – allowing Goliath-sized fears to bully us into inaction.

5. False definitions of success – confusing worldly approval with spiritual triumph.

He counters this by redefining success based on Deuteronomy 30:

• Loving God

• Obeying His Word

• Courageously pursuing His inspired dreams

Finally, Robert offers four sources of courage to overcome fear:

• Knowing God is with us

• Trusting that God will help us

• Believing we will succeed in God's terms

• Asking others to pray for us

The message concludes with a call for vulnerability and community prayer, encouraging those burdened by fear to stand and receive support.

Key Takeaways:

• Fear of failure can sabotage God's call on our lives.

• Real success is defined by faithfulness, not worldly accolades.

• The risk of obedience leads to growth, joy, and greater spiritual capacity.

• Courage is inspired through God’s presence, strength, and community.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 25:14–30 (Parable of the Talents)

• Exodus 3:11; 33:12–15 (Moses' calling and fear)

• Joshua 1–2 (spies and differing perspectives)

• 1 Samuel 10 & 17 (Saul’s fear; Goliath’s challenge)

• Deuteronomy 30:15–20 (true definition of success)

• Philippians 4:13 (strength through Christ)

• 2 Corinthians 2:14 (God leads us in triumph)

• 1 Thessalonians 5:25 (Paul asks for prayer)